Student Funding
There is a whole range of financial assistance available to Further Education students. Entitlement is often dependant on age or financial circumstances.
Education Maintenance Allowances
Available to students aged 16-18 who are studying on a course of 12 hours per week or more. Awards range from £10-£30 per week dependant on parental income. An EMA can only be paid for 2 years in total. Students should apply for an EMA through their Local Education Authority (LEA).
General Access Fund
This fund is available to all full and part time Further Education students aged 19 and over. While the fund is intended to assist students with their course related costs, there are not sufficient funds available to reimburse students for their total outlay. Access Fund forms can be obtained from Learner Services on any main college campus or from the site administrator in any neighbourhood college.
Childcare Support Fund
This fund can pay the childcare costs for some students who might not otherwise be able to attend college because of childcare commitments. Because the fund is cash limited, entitlement to childcare support is restricted to students who are lone parents, in receipt of Income Support (IS) and priority will be given to eligible students who are studying for a first level II qualification, an adult basic education qualification and continuing students. Applications for Childcare Support must be made to the Student Welfare Adviser who is based at Conway Park Campus.
