You may be able to get financial support while you are studying at college. There are a number of sources of help, all listed below. Check the information to see if you might be eligible and, if you are, make sure you apply before you start your course.

Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

If you are aged between 16-18 on the 31 August 2010 and your household income is less than £30,810 in the previous tax year, you may be able to claim for EMA.

To apply visit www.direct.gov.uk/EMA or call the free helpline on 0800 121 8989 (option 1).

Adult Learner Grant

ALG is for students who are over 19 and have a single income of less than £19,513. If you have a partner, your joint income must be less than £30,810 in the previous tax year. You must be studying a first full level 2 or 3 qualification for a minimum of 12 hours a week. You cannot apply if you are in receipt of any out of work benefits.
To apply visit www.direct.gov.uk/ALG or call the free helpline on 0800 121 8989 (option 2).

Care to Learn

Care to Learn supports parents who are under 20 and need financial help towards childcare and travel expenses.
To apply visit www.direct.gov.uk/caretolearn or call the free helpline on 0800 121 8989 (option 3).

Discretionary Fund

If you find it difficult to meet course costs (books, equipment, visits, childcare etc.), you may be able to apply for help from the Discretionary Fund. To be eligible, you or your family need to be in receipt of an income-based benefit (e.g. income support) or have a household income between £15,800 and £20,000 per year.

Everything you need to know about The Discretionary fund

The Discretionary Fund Application Form 2010/2011

The Residential Bursary

The Residential Bursary is a government fund to assist students with accommodation costs where they have to live away from home in order to study a particular course.

For further information contact the Accommodation Adviser on 01865 551958 or accommodation@ocvc.ac.uk

Everything you need to know about The Residential Bursary

The Residential Bursary Application Form 2010/2011

For more information contact the Welfare team on 01865 55170

Don't delay - Apply today

 A guide to the financial advice and support available to you as an OCVC student