FINANCIAL SUPPORT
FREE COURSE FEES – all full time students under the age of 19 at the start of their studies are entitled to free tuition, examination and registration fees.
ASSISTANCE WITH TRAVEL COSTS – in addition to free tuition fees all full time students under the age of 19 at the start of their studies are entitled to a FREE ARRIVA BUS PASS during Term 1. For Terms 2 and 3 students will have the opportunity to purchase from the College a subsidised ARRIVA BUS PASS at the cost of £40 per term. For those students who are unable to access an ARRIVA bus to take them to and from College, subject to eligibility, travel expenses of up to a maximum of £30 a month may be claimed. Travel expenses forms are available for collection from Student Services.
EMA CHANGES –For returning students the following transitional arrangements for EMA apply:-
- All students who received EMA from the academic year 2009/10 will continue to receive EMA payments at the same level until the end of the 2011/12 academic year.
- All students who applied for EMA for the first time in the 2010/11 academic year and who were in receipt of £30per week EMA payment will receive £20 per week in 2011/12. Those who received £20 and £10 per week will not receive any EMA.
EMA is now closed to new applicants, however, see details below on the proposed 16-19 Bursary
THE NEW 16-19 BURSARY – For the academic year 2011/12 the Government is aiming to introduce a new bursary scheme to help the ‘most vulnerable 16-19 year old students’ continue in full time education. The scheme is made up of two parts:-
- guaranteed bursary of £1,200 per year for the following students:
Young people in care/care leaversYoung people on income support
- such as teenage parents,
- young people with severe disabilities,
- teenagers living away from their parents and
- young people whose parents have died.
- discretionary bursary, eligibility and amount of bursary to be decided on student’s individual circumstances, to help with additional costs incurred when attending College such as transport, food or equipment.
For further details on the NEW 16-19 Bursary and EMA transitional arrangements see www.ypla.gov.uk/news/latest/bursary-announcement.htm
ASSISTANCE WITH CHILDCARE COSTS – the Care to Learn Scheme is available to fund reasonable childcare costs for children whose parents are under the age of 20 whilst in further education. For further details on the Care to Learn Scheme see http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/MoneyToLearn/Caretolearn/index.htm or ask your Connexions Personal Adviser.
BENEFITS – whilst you are in full time non-advanced education your parents will be able to continue to claim any benefits (child benefit/child tax credit) they received while you were at school.
STUDENT UNION – as a student you will be given the opportunity to join the Student Union and obtain an NUS Extra card. The NUS Extra card will entitle you to lots of benefits and discounts. See http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/ for further details.
NEED FURTHER HELP AND ADVICE? – Student Services has a specialist Student Finance Adviser who can assist you with any concerns or queries regarding your financial needs. Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the Student Finance Adviser on 01744 623238 or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
