This topic contains the following:
Can I get further education funding in England?
If you normally live in England, and you and your course are eligible, you may be able to get funding from the government to take a course of further education. For more details, see Can I get further education funding in the UK?
If you’re eligible for funding in England and you’re between 16 and 19 years old, the following information is for you. If you want to study in Wales or Scotland, check with your learning provider what support is available.
Do I need to pay tuition fees?
If you’re under 19 years old on 31 August before you enrol on your course, and you’re taking a full- or part-time course funded by the Education Funding Agency, you don’t have to pay tuition fees.
However, if you’re taking your course at a private college, you may be asked to pay a fee.
Can I get help with costs related to my course?
You may be able to get help with costs related to your course, such as books, equipment, lunch and transport to and from your school, college or learning provider, from the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund. There are two types of bursary. Some learners can get a guaranteed amount (a mandatory bursary), depending on their circumstances. For most learners, your school, college or learning provider decides whether you get help, and if so, how much. The following bursary figures are for 2013/2014.
What’s the mandatory bursary?
If you’re on a full-time course, you can get £1,200 a year if you’re one of the following:
- in care or have left care
- claiming Income Support
- disabled and getting Employment and Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.
You don’t need to pay the money back. If you’re on a part-time or short course you can still get help, but it’s reduced accordingly (that is, pro-rata).
The bursary is paid directly by your school, college or training provider, and they may pay you more if they think it’s appropriate. They decide whether you get the money in one lump sum or in instalments, and can withhold payments if you stop attending your course.
To apply for the bursary, speak to your student services or your tutor. Here’s the government’s information about the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund.
It doesn’t affect the income-related benefits you may be entitled to. For more information about benefits, see Can I claim government benefits as a student?
What about the other type of bursary?
If you aren’t eligible to get a mandatory bursary, you could still get a bursary depending on your personal circumstances. You can also apply if you’re an asylum seeker under 18 years old. Ask your school, college or training provider’s student support services to see if you’re eligible. You can’t get a bursary if you’re undertaking a waged apprenticeship.
The bursary is paid directly by your school, college or training provider, and they decide how much to pay you. They also decide whether you get the money in one lump sum or in instalments, and can withhold payments if you stop attending your course, or put in place other requirements if they wish.
Your school, college or training provider may use their funds to buy books or equipment for you, but that’s at their discretion, and they may attach conditions, eg relating to attendance or behaviour.
Unless you’re eligible to get a mandatory bursary, you’re not guaranteed to receive any support from the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund.
To apply for the bursary, speak to your student services or your tutor. Here’s the government’s information about the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund.
It doesn’t affect the income-related benefits you may be entitled to. For more information about benefits, see Can I claim government benefits as a student?
Can I get help with my travel costs?
Your local authority is responsible for making sure you’ve got transport to get you to school or college, but this may not be free of charge. You can find details for your local authority here.
Also, your college may provide subsidised transport, so ask them for details.
Can I get help with accommodation costs?
If you’re between 16 and 18 years old and you need to study away from home because your course isn’t available locally, you may be able to get help with the cost of term-time accommodation as part of the Residential Support Scheme. The following figures are for 2013/2014.
How much you get depends on your household income – up to £3,458 a year for up to three years (or up to £4,079 a year if you live and study in London).
You may qualify if your course is too far away for you to travel to daily and you’re studying for a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification (equivalent to GCSEs and A levels). Your course must last for at least ten weeks, and you must attend for at least 16 hours a week.
To apply, ask your school or college for a Residential Support Scheme application pack. Here’s the government’s information about the Residential Support Scheme.
Alternatively, if you want to study subjects like agriculture, art and design or horticulture full-time at a specialist residential college, you may be able to get help towards the cost of accommodation from the college’s Residential Bursary Fund. You may also get help with your travel costs if you have to live at home but travel significant distances to college. To apply, contact your college directly.
Can I get help from my local education authority?
If you’re aged between 16 and 18 and you’re a student in school, you may be able to get funds from your local education authority. Local authorities provide support based on your needs in the form of grants from the Schools’ Access Fund. The funds are aimed at students with low staying-on rates, but you shouldn’t be excluded if you’re a high achiever.
Check with your local authority to find out whether you’re eligible for support.
What other government support is available?
As well as the support outlined above, other further education funding is available, depending on your circumstances. Find out more here:
What if I’m in financial difficulty?
If you’re 19 years old or older, taking a further education course funded by the Education Funding Agency and facing financial hardship, you need to apply for help from the 16-19 Bursary Fund discussed above.
Can I get help to study for a City & Guilds qualification?
If you’re studying for a City & Guilds qualification or a National Proficiency Tests Council course, you may be able to get a bursary (a grant of money that you don’t need to pay back) to help with your living costs. See Can I get funding to study for a City & Guilds qualification?
Can I get funding to study while I work?
If you want to undertake a course of vocational training and work at the same time, you might consider doing an apprenticeship. Alternatively, some employers and other organisations may sponsor you to take a course of further education. For more information, see Can I get funding to study for further education while I work?
Where can I find more information?
Here are some links to more information:
This information was updated in March 2013. NUS provides this information in good faith and has taken care to make sure it’s accurate. However, student finance issues can be complicated, and rules change frequently. You should contact the advice centre in your students' union, college or university for support if you’re uncertain or need more help.