Financial support for school leavers

Study is hard enough without struggling to pay for things you need for your course - safety clothing, the cost of getting here, even finding someone to look after your children. Fees aside there are all sorts of other costs you might have to meet in your course. Some courses require PPE (safety clothing), and other materials.

• If you are/will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the academic year when you begin a programme of study, you DO NOT have to pay tuition fees, college registration fees or examination/board registration fees. 

• All guidance relating to fees apply to those who have been resident in the UK or another EEA country for the three years preceding the start of the course. If you have not, you will need to contact the Admissions Manager to confirm eligibility.

For new and continuing students, you can now apply for financial support (Bursary) for courses starting from September.

Our discretionary fund provides support to learners who are experiencing financial difficulty with meeting the costs of learning.

To be eligible to apply for Financial Support, you must meet these criteria:

• You must be an enrolled student as defined by West Suffolk College.
• You must have been resident in the British Isles (or the European Union for purposes other than education) for the last three years.
• Your household income must be below £30k to be eligible for support with travel and other costs associated with your studies.
• If your household income is between £30k and £40k and reside over 3 miles from the college, you may be able to apply for travel on our college-run routes (other restrictions may apply).

Financial support is dependant upon Government legislation and is therefore subject to change. Whatever your circumstances, you can always consult us before applying for any course. You can view the Bursary Policy on our Policies, Reports & Key Information page.

Apply for Financial Support (Bursary)

19+ Financial Support (Bursary)

Aside from tuition fees, there are often costs for materials or equipment, transport or childcare when returning to study as an adult.  There is support available depending on your household income. 

Our financial support (bursary) for those aged 19+ is available to help eligible students who are enrolled on a government-funded or advanced learner loan-funded course and are from a low income household. 

If your household income is less than £30,000, you may be eligible for support with a range of study costs including kit, equipment, travel, childcare and lunches. 

It's paid every four weeks and is related to your attendance at college. Travel costs up to £1200 per year and childcare costs up to £35 per day all help a return to study without financial hardship. 

Students in receipt of benefits may also qualify for lunch allowance on the days that you attend your classes.

For help and advice contact our student finance team on 01284 716 319 or visit our Student Hub at the University and Professional Development Centre.

Advanced Learner Loan

You can also apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of a course.