The 16-19 Bursary Fund
If you're aged between 16 and 18 years and think you might struggle with the costs for education or training you may be eligible for a bursary.
Students most in need will be eligible to receive a bursary of £1,200 a year. Eligible students include:
- people in care
- care leavers
- people claiming income support
- disabled young people who receive Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.
Other students facing genuine financial difficulties may be awarded a bursary at the discretion of the University.
The 2012 / 13 Bursary Fund is now closed. Details about how to apply for the 2013 / 14 Bursary Fund will be available on this website later in 2013. Keep checking the Department of Education website for the latest updates.
The Residential Support Scheme
If you are aged between 16 and 18 years, you may be able to get financial help with the cost of term-time accommodation, if you need to study away from home because the course you want isn't available locally. The funding amount will be based on household income. You can receive up to £3,458 each year, if eligible, for a maximum of three years.
- Telephone +44 (0)845 602 2260 to request a Residential Support Scheme application pack.
- See the Directgov website for further information.
Care to Learn (help with childcare costs)
You may be able to get up to £160 per child per week towards registered childcare, if you started your further education course before your twentieth birthday. See the Care to Learn website or telephone +44 (0)845 600 2809 for more information.
The 19+ Discretionary Learner Support Fund
You can apply to the University's Discretionary Learner Support Funds. Priority will be given to students who are most in need.
The fund can be used to help towards:
- essential course-related equipment, materials and field trips
- travel costs
- childcare costs (for Ofsted-registered childcare)
- domestic emergencies
The 2012 / 13 Discretionary Learner Support Fund is now closed. Details about how to apply for the 2013 / 14 Discretionary Learner Support Fund will be available on this website later in 2013. Keep checking the Gov.uk website for the latest updates.
The 19+ Residential Access Fund
You may be eligible for assistance towards the cost of your accommodation if you have been obliged to move from your usual home in order to follow your course of study. You can apply if you are living in residential accommodation on the Brackenhurst campus or if you are living in lodgings / rented accommodation in the surrounding area. The University has a limited sum of money from the Skills Funding Agency to allocate for this purpose and awards will be paid to those in greatest financial need. Please note that the maximum payment allowance is £3,458.
The 2012 / 13 Residential Access Fund is now closed. Details about how to apply for the 2013 / 14 Residential Access Fund will be available on this website later in 2013.
Professional and Career Development Loans
A Professional and Career Development Loan is a bank loan. You make an agreement with a participating bank to borrow an amount between £300 and £10,000. Once you've completed your studies, you pay it back in the normal way. The Skills Funding Agency pays the interest on the loan while you're studying – and for one month afterwards.
Please visit the Directgov website for further information.
Further Information
Please visit the Directgov website or email us for further information about the financial help available to FE students.
