Fees and Financial Support
The amount of fees payable and financial help available depends on individual circumstances and the course you wish to enrol on. The information below is given as a general guide. For more information please contact student services.
Full time course fees
If you are aged 19 or over on the 1st Sept in the year you start the course will need to pay fees (please enquire for individual course fees). Students meeting certain criteria may be eligible for a fee waiver on the tuition fee for certain courses. These students would still need to pay the exam and administration fees. Click here for more detailed information.
Part-time course fees
All part-time courses held at the college have fees attached. These are displayed in the part-time course leaflet as well as in the course descriptions on this website and include tuition, registration and any exam fee. There may be additional costs attached to some courses for materials or trips - these will be made known to you by the tutor at the start of the course. The listed fee is for one academic year (or less if the course is shorter). If a course lasts for more than 1 academic year, there will be a charge for subsequent years.
Discounted Fees
You could be eligible for discounted fees if you are claiming one or more of the following income-based tested benefits:
- Income Support*
- Council Tax Benefit*
- Job Seekers Allowance (you must study for less than 12 hours per week and have agreement from your benefits advisor)
- Housing Benefit*
- Pension Guarantee Credit*
- Working Tax Credit with an income below £16,190*
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
* denotes benefits which only qualify for discounts on full-time courses; part-time courses only qualify for discounts on the basis of Job Seekers Allowance and Employment Support Allowance.
If the course qualifies for a discounted fee this will be published next to the inclusive fee in the part-time guide and on the course description on this website.
First Level 2 qualification
If you are over 19 and have not previously gained a level 2 qualification or above (that is, do not have 5 GCSE grade A*-C, an NVQ2 or equivalent qualification), you may be eligible for a discounted fee on some courses. Please contact student services for more information.
First Level 3 qualification
If you are aged between 19 and 24 when you begin your course and have not already gained a full level 3 qualification (e.g. 2 A levels, BTEC National Diploma) you may be eligible for a discounted fee on some courses. Please contact student services for more information.
Adult Learning Grant
The government announced the closure of the Adult Learning Grant (ALG) scheme in May 2011. ALG is a government scheme similar to the EMA, paying up to £30 a week to adults taking their first full level 2 or 3 qualification.If you received ALG in 2010-11 and are on a two-year programme, you will continue to receive ALG for your second year. This does not apply if you are currently taking a one-year course and want to take another one or two year course in 2011-12.
If you were expecting to get ALG in 2011-12, you can still apply to the college's Learner Support Fund for help with the costs associated with coming to college, including transport, equipment, childcare, etc.
Army Bursary
The Army FE bursary scheme is designed to help you complete your further education so that you will be able to join the Army in a guaranteed job, with college qualifications under your belt. The bursary is available to anyone aged 16-32 who is going into further education and wishes to join the Army. The scheme offers up to £5000 in return for a commitment to spend a minimum of four years in the Army. For more information on the scheme, please visit http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/febursary
Learner Support Fund
The Learner Support Fund can help eligible students with costs related to their course such as uniforms, kits, trips and materials. You can apply as soon as you have been offered a place on a full-time course.
Click here for the application form
Click here for the guidance notes
Professional and Career Development Loans
Professional and Career Development Loans are bank loans that can be used to help pay for work related learning. You can borrow between £300 and £10,000 to help support the cost of up to two years of learning (or three years if it includes one year’s relevant unpaid practical work). The Young People’s Learning Agency will pay the interest on the loan while you are learning and for one month afterwards. The loan can be used to pay course fees or other costs such as travel and living expenses. You can also use the loan to supplement other forms of support such as grants or bursaries. Because the Professional and Career Development Loan is a commercial loan product, they should only be considered as an option once all other student funding options have been investigated. For further information on financial assistance to support your learning and to check eligibility, visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact Careers Advice on 0800 100 900
