2026-2026
Bursary and Financial Support
For 19+ Students
Financial support to help you with the cost of attending college.
We do not want financial difficulties to prevent you from starting your course, attending college or taking part fully in your studies.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to receive help with:
- Travel to and from college
- A bursary payment to support the cost of attending your course
- Essential course-related books, equipment, tools or specialist clothing
- Childcare costs for eligible students aged 20 or over
Financial support is available through different funding schemes, including the 19+ Discretionary Bursary, Advanced Learner Loan Bursary and 20+ Childcare Funding.
All support is based on your individual circumstances and assessed financial need. Meeting an income threshold or eligibility category does not automatically guarantee an award. Support must relate to participation in education and is subject to appropriate evidence and available funding.
Who can apply?
You can normally apply for 19+ financial support if you:
- Are aged 19 or over on 31 August 2026
- Are enrolled on an eligible College programme
- Meet the relevant residency and funding requirements
- Have a genuine financial barrier affecting your studies
- Meet the College’s attendance, engagement and progress expectations
For the 19+ Discretionary Bursary, your NET household income must normally be below £30,000. Exceptional cases may also be considered.
You may also be eligible for the Advanced Learner Loan Bursary if your loan has been approved and you have an assessed financial need. Apprentices are not normally eligible.
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What evidence might I need?
We may ask for:
- Evidence of age and enrolment
- Household income or benefit evidence
- Your Advanced Learner Loan approval letter, where relevant
- Evidence of financial hardship or specific course-related costs
- Childcare details if applying for childcare support
Providing all evidence promptly will help Student Services assess your application more quickly.
We offer two bursaries for students aged 19+
19+ Discretionary Bursary
The 19+ Discretionary Bursary is for students who face financial barriers that may affect their ability to start, attend or continue their course. Awards are based on household income, individual circumstances and the specific costs affecting participation in college.
Students aged 19 or over with a NET household income below £30,000 may be eligible for support. Depending on assessed need, this may include a weekly bursary payment to help with the cost of attending college.
All support is subject to an individual assessment, appropriate evidence and available funding. Meeting the income threshold or eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee an award. Students must submit a new application for each academic year in which they require support.
| Household Income | Bursary Payment |
|---|---|
| Below £30,000 | Up to £8.00 per week |
| Below £20,000 | Up to £10.00 per week |
| Below £16,000 | Up to £12.50 per week |
| Below £10,000 | Up to £15.00 per week |
Advanced Learner Loan Bursary
The Advanced Learner Loan Bursary is for students studying a course funded by an Advanced Learner Loan who need additional financial support to attend and participate in college.
You may be eligible if:
- Your Advanced Learner Loan has been approved
- You are enrolled on an eligible loan-funded course
Depending on your household income and individual circumstances, you may receive a weekly bursary payment to help with the cost of attending college. Indicative payments range from up to £10 per week for NET households earning below £50,000, to up to £60 per week for NET households earning below £10,000. These amounts are a guide only and may change depending on assessed need, attendance pattern and available funding.
All applications are assessed individually. Meeting the eligibility or income criteria does not automatically guarantee an award, and you will need to provide your Advanced Learner Loan approval letter and evidence of your financial circumstances.
Apply now for 26/27
| Household Income | Bursary Payment |
|---|---|
| Below £50,000 | Up to £10 per week |
| Below £40,000 | Up to £20 per week |
| Below £30,000 | Up to £30 per week |
| Below £20,000 | Up to £40 per week |
| Below £16,000 | Up to £50 per week |
| Below £10,000 | Up to £60 per week |
20+ Childcare Funding
