Financial Support

We understand that studying can be expensive and put a strain on your finances, that why we have a team of staff ready to advise you and tell you of the variety of funds we have to help students financially. The first thing you need to know is that if you are aged 16-18 you will not have to pay for your study, its free. If you are over 18, you still may not have to pay, or you could receive help with your fees. In addition to your fees we know there are extra costs such as books, equipment and field trips. You may be eligible to apply for the funds below, just call into Student Services for advice.

For information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact 0800 100 900

Learner Support Funds

You may be able to get help with equipment costs, travelling expenses and help with trips and residentials from funds that are allocated to the college. There is a detailed application form to complete which is available from Student Services.

To receive help from the learner support fund you must:

Apply on the form available from Student Services
Satisfy the means test
Be able to satisfy residence rules
Be an enrolled learner of the college

Career Development Loans

These are bank loans that can be used to help pay for work related learning. You can borrow between £300 and £10,000 to help support the cost of up to two years of learning (or three years if it includes one year’s relevant unpaid practical work). The Young People’s Learning Agency will pay the interest on the loan while you are learning and for one month afterwards. The loan can be used to pay course fees or other costs such as travel and living expenses. You can also use the loan to supplement other forms of support such as grants or bursaries. Because the Professional and Career Development Loan is a commercial loan product, they should only be considered as an option once all other student funding options have been investigated. For further information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact Careers Advice on 0800 100 900.

Adult Learning Grant (ALG)

The Adult Learning Grant is a means-tested allowance of up to £30 per week for adults studying full-time for a first level 2 or level 3 qualification at a college of further education in the North East of England.

You may be eligible for an Adult Learning Grant if you:

Are 19 or over and studying towards your first Level 2 or first Level 3 qualification
Have a household income under £30,000
Have been resident in England for the last three years
Are in full-time learning (e.g. studying for at least 12 hours per week)

Please telephone: 0800 100 900

Help with childcare costs

There are two separate schemes to help learners with the cost of childcare.

1.Care to Learn

You can get “Care to Learn” if you:

Are a parent and under 20 when you start learning;
Follow a course in a college;
Are caring for your own child(ren), whether you are the father or the mother;
Are living in England; and
Use a registered childcare provider

Please telephone: 0845 60 222 60

2.Childcare Funds from Learner Support Funds

If you are a parent and 20years old or over when you start learning you may still be able to get help with the costs of childcare through the college.

Ask at Student Services for a form to apply.

Students and Social Security

It is possible for many people to study whilst receiving benefit. The regulations regarding this are extremely complex and vary greatly depending upon individual circumstances. If you are unsure about your position please contact Student Services for a confidential chat.

Useful Links

Learners participating in funded projects where identified in the project specification will not have to pay. For further details check our Projects page http://alg.ypla.gov.uk/

Learner Support Fund (LSF)

01642 333360/333606

Adult Learning Grant (ALG)

01642 333278