Fees and funding

This section aims to provide information and guidance concerning financial support for students studying towards a BTEC qualification.

• Students aged 16–18 years
• Students aged 19+

'Home Student' status

Many of the sources of support outlined are only available to 'home' students. To be classed as a 'home' student you must be a UK or EU national who is ordinarily resident in England on 1 September on the year of entry and who has been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the three years leading up to this date.

If this does not apply to you, you may still be able to apply if you have refugee status, or if you or your parents/spouse are EEA or Swiss Migrant workers, or if you are the child or spouse of a member of the armed forces. If you are unsure about whether you meet these residence conditions, please seek advice from the Student Financial Support Service, telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2494.

'Independent Student' status

Unless you are classed as an 'independent student' your application for student funding will be means tested and you will need to provide details of your parents' income before your eligibility for assistance can be assessed. You will only be classed as an independent student if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You are 25 or over at the start of the academic year (1 September);
• You are married or entered into a civil partnership before the start of the academic year for which you are applying for support;
• You have been estranged from your parents;
• Both your parents (or legal guardians) are deceased;
• You have been supporting yourself financially for at least three years before the start of the academic year.

Where to get further advice

Advice on all aspects of fees and funding is available from Student Administration on the Brackenhurst campus, telephone: +44 (0)1636 817099.