Financial Help for students aged 19+
Discretionary Learner Support Funds
If you are struggling with your course because of financial difficulties, you may be able to get help with some of the costs of essentials (e.g. equipment and travel) for your course, through the Discretionary Learner Support Fund. There is a limited supply of funding available so early application is advised. It’s a means tested fund and you will be expected to show some proof of income such as a recent Working Tax Credit Notice, two recent payslips, a copy of a letter from the benefits agency or bank statements.
Contact the Student Finance Officer on 01204 482 191 or pop into Student Services; we are here to help.
Financial Help for Students Aged 20+ who have children
Are you a student aged 20 or over (on 31st August of the year the course starts) and have children? Are you in severe hardship? There are funds available to help you.
In order to quality for 20+ Childcare Support Funds, you must have an income level of £21,000 or less. And you will need to prove that you qualify by bringing in a recent letter which shows the family income e.g. recent Working Tax Credit Notice; two recent payslips; copy of letter from benefits agency; bank statements.
The Childcare Support Fund will pay 75%* of term-time costs of your childcare, and you will be responsible for the other 25% of the costs.
*subject to review for September 2018.
The child care provider chosen must be Ofsted registered and cannot be a relative. The Fund pays costs related to your study days at College and does not pay for childcare costs during holiday periods or after school care for older children.
The fund is limited and runs on a first come first served basis so early application is advised.
The Childcare Support Fund Application Form should be completed with your tutor or the member of staff who is enrolling you but if you need further help, drop into Student Services at Deane Road Campus; or contact the Student Finance Officer by calling 01204 482 191.
Advanced Learner Loans
For students aged 19 or over, starting a Level 3 or above course from August onwards. Loan applications will be accepted from May. Click here for more details.
Financial Help for Students Aged 16-18
Bursaries
Bursaries are available for some 16-18 year old students coming to College. The EMA scheme is no longer operational.
There are two types of bursary:-
1. The Guaranteed Bursary of up to £1,200 a year if you are:
- A young person in care or care leaver or
- A young person receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in your own right or
- A young person with severe disabilities and in receipt of Employment Support Allowance and Disabled Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
2. The Discretionary Bursary is available to eligible students to help towards costs such as transport, or essential equipment required for the course. The Discretionary Bursary which will be administered by the College, is means tested and you may qualify if you are aged 16-18, your attendance is over 90% and your family income is £20,000 or less.
For further queries, contact the Student Finance Officer based at Student Services at Deane Road by calling 01204 482 191.
Financial Help for Students aged under 20 years old and who have children
If you are aged under 20 years-old and have children, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the government’s Care to Learn Scheme.
This provides help with the costs of having a child looked after at a nursery or by a child-minder whilst you study at Bolton College.
For more information about the scheme and to see if you are eligible to apply, get in touch with the Student Service’s Childcare Manager/Student Finance Officer today at Deane Road.
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