Money for further education
16-19 Bursary Fund
If you’re aged 16-19, studying or starting a full-time course from September 2011 and think you might struggle with the costs for your studies, schools, colleges and training providers have funds to help you. The students most in need will be eligible to receive a bursary of £1,200 a year.
Help with travel costs
Students aged 16-18 who need help with the cost of travelling to and from sixth form or college may be able to receive help from their local authority - ask your school or college about the help that's available in your local area.
Students aged 19 and over may be able to get help with travel costs through their college or sixth form’s Discretionary Support Fund.
Help for Young Mums and Families
If you are a parent aged 19 or under and want to continue with your learning, you may be able to get a number of benefits, including help towards registered childcare through Care to Learn.
Residential bursaries
Students from low income households may be able to get help with accommodation costs for courses such as agriculture, art and design and horticulture at certain colleges that are not within travelling distance of home. To apply for help, you‘ll need to contact the relevant college directly.
The Residential Support Scheme funded by the Young People's Learning Agency could help pay towards term-time accommodation for those who want to do a course that is not offered within a 'reasonable daily travelling' distance from home. For more information, visit the Directgov Education and learning website.
Tuition fees for further education students
Students under the age of 19 on full-time and part-time courses at publicly funded colleges and school sixth forms are not charged course fees.
Students aged 19-25 taking their first Level 3 qualification (up to A Level standard) do not pay tuition fees.
For more information
For more information, contact the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989 between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, or visit the Directgov Money to Learn website.
You can get more help and information from:
- Your Connexions Personal Adviser
- Your careers teacher or school tutor at school
- Your Student Support Service if you are in college
- Your Training Provider if you have started training
Call freephone 0800 121 8989 between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, or visit the Directgov Money to Learn website.
Disability Alliance is providing support and information for disabled students, following the closure of Skill, the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities. Call freephone 0800 328 5050 between 11.30am-1.30pm on Tuesdays and 1.30pm-3.30pm on Thursdays or visit the Skill at Disability Alliance website.