2026-2027

Bursary and Financial Support

For 16-18 Students

Financial support to help you with the cost of attending college.

We do not want financial difficulties to prevent you from attending college, taking part in your course or accessing the resources you need.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to receive help with:

  • Travel to and from college
  • Essential course kit, equipment and uniform
  • A laptop or support with IT access
  • Essential course trips and visits
  • Meals on the days you attend college

All support is based on your individual circumstances and assessed financial need. Meeting an eligibility category or income threshold does not automatically guarantee an award. Support is also subject to appropriate evidence and available funding.

Who can apply?

You can normally apply for 16–19 bursary support if you:

  • Are aged 16 or over and under 19 on 31 August 2026
  • Are studying on an eligible publicly funded programme
  • Meet the relevant residency requirements
  • Have a genuine financial barrier that affects your ability to participate in education

You may also be able to apply for the Discretionary Bursary if you are aged 19 or over and:

  • Are continuing the same study programme you started while aged 16 to 18; or
  • Have an Education, Health and Care Plan

Students aged 19 or over are not eligible for the Vulnerable Groups Bursary. Apprentices and students receiving a wage through their training are not eligible for the 16–19 Bursary Fund.

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What evidence might I need?

Depending on the support you apply for, we may ask for:

  • Evidence of household income or benefits
  • Benefit award notices in the student’s name
  • Confirmation of care or care-leaver status
  • Information about any exceptional financial circumstances

Providing all requested evidence when you apply will help Student Services assess your application more quickly.

We offer two bursaries for students aged 16-18

Vulnerable groups (VYP) Bursary

The Vulnerable Groups Bursary provides support for students who may not reasonably be able to rely on financial support from a parent or carer.

You may be eligible if you are:

  • In care
  • A care leaver
  • Receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in your own name because you financially support yourself, or yourself and a dependent
  • Receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment in your own name, together with Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in your own name

Eligible students on a programme lasting 30 weeks or more may receive up to £1,200 during the academic year. The amount is not awarded automatically and may be lower depending on your course, attendance pattern, participation costs and other support already available to you.

Apply now for 26/27
Support with Uniform/ Kit & TripsFree College Printer CreditFree College MealsCollege Bus Pass/ Travel Support*
Up to £400.00 / YearUp to £20.00 / YearUp to £5.50 / Day* Subject to an assessment of individual need

16 to 19 Discretionary Bursary

For students who face financial barriers but do not qualify for the Vulnerable Groups Bursary, or who need additional support. Awards are based on household income, individual circumstances and the specific costs affecting participation in college.

Students with a NET household income below £55,000 may be eligible for our college travel support, while students with a NET household income below £35,000 may be eligible for our full range of bursary benefits.

All support is subject to an individual assessment, appropriate evidence and available funding. Meeting an income threshold or eligibility category does not automatically guarantee an award, and students must apply each academic year to receive a college bursary.

Apply now for 26/27
Household IncomeSupport with Uniform/ Kit & TripsFree College Printer CreditFree College MealsCollege Bus Pass/ Travel Support*
< £35,000 per yearUp to £400 / YearUp to £20.00 / YearUp to £5.50 / DayCollege & Public Bus/Our Pass/Tram/Train Support*
< £45,000 per yearN/AN/AN/ACollege & Public Bus/Our Pass/Tram Support*
< £55,000 per yearN/AN/AN/ACollege & Public Bus/Our Pass Support*

Free College Meals

Free College Meals are available to eligible students who meet the relevant age, residency, and course requirements and whose student, parent, or guardian receives a qualifying benefit, such as Universal Credit. Eligible students currently receive an enhanced meal allowance of £5.50 for each day they attend college, normally added electronically to their College ID card for use in college catering outlets. Students should complete the bursary application and provide any requested benefit evidence to claim this support.

Students who do not meet the formal eligibility criteria but are experiencing financial hardship may still be considered for meal support through the bursary assessment process.

Apply now for 26/27

Care to Learn

Care to Learn is a government-funded scheme that can help young parents with childcare costs while they continue in education. You may be eligible if you are under 20 when you start your course, are the child’s main carer, live and study in England, and use an eligible registered childcare provider. If you turn 20 during your course, support may continue until the end of that programme.

For the 2026–27 academic year, Care to Learn can contribute up to £180 per child, per week for students living outside London. This can include registered childcare and, where appropriate, additional travel costs between your home and the childcare provider. The scheme may also help with childcare needed for work experience, industry placements and agreed independent study.

Speak to Student Services for support with your Care to Learn paper application form.

SCC Group is a trading name of Salford City College