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Advice for: Students | Parents and Carers | College Applicants | Apprentices
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We are committed to supporting students in order for them to overcome any financial barriers to learning.
Listed below are the types of support that may be available to help you with course-related costs such as kit, equipment, books and travel.
16–19 Bursary for Defined Vulnerable Groups – for students who are in care or a care leaver, those who are claiming Income Support or Universal Credit in their own right or those who are claiming Employment Support Allowance together with Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance in their own right. Successful applicants may be entitled to up to £1,200.
Discretionary Bursary – for students where the household income is low. Allocated amounts for successful applicants will vary depending on travelling distance.
Free College Meals – for students who live in a household where certain benefits are claimed, such as Income Support and JSA.
Care 2 Learn – free childcare for students. You must be 20 years old or under when you start your course and your child must be in registered childcare for you to be eligible.
16+ Travel Card –
If you are 16–18 and are eligible for the 16–18 Bursary, the College may support you by providing a Arriva annual bus pass.
If you are not eligible, you can purchase a KCC 16+ Travel Saver Card. You can apply via the KCC website.
Successful applicants for both of the 19+ Funds may be entitled to up to £750 for course-related costs. For details of amounts available for childcare funding, please contact Support Services.
Learner Support Fund – for students who are 19 or over at the start of their course and have a low household income.
19+ Loan Bursary – If you have an Advanced Learning Loan to pay for your course, you may be entitled to help with course-related costs and childcare if your household income is low.
A Bursary is available for students with a household income of less than £24,000, or those in a defined vulnerable group, for assistance with travel, equipment and childcare. You may also be eligible for free meals.
All applications for financial support are treated as confidential. Any assistance granted is subject to the student maintaining good behaviour, punctuality and at least 90% attendance.
Applications can be completed and submitted online via the website using the link below. We aim to process completed claims within 14 days, but this may take longer during busy periods. Paper applications are also available, please contact your chosen college for further information.
You will be informed of the outcome of your claim via email. If you are unsuccessful in your application, you have the right to appeal and the appeals process will be outlined in your decision letter.
Please be advised that the Bursary funds are limited and therefore we would advise that you apply as early as possible. We aim to support all eligible students where possible and consider applications made during the academic year, should an unforeseen situation arise. However, once the funds are exhausted, students may not automatically receive support.
