Student Finance

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.

If you are 19 or over on the day you commence your course, you will be required to pay towards the course. We offer a range of fee reductions for students and tuition fees may be waived. You may also be eligible for the Advanced Learner Loan.

University Funding

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.

Course fees will be waived for the following learners:

1. Students who need help to move into work, progress in work or remove a barrier to getting into work and who are:
   • In receipt of Job Seekers Allowance enrolling onto an Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2 programme.
   • In receipt of Employment and Support Allowance (Work Related Activity Group) enrolling onto an Entry Level, Level 1 or full Level 2 programme.
2. Students who are unemployed and who want to enter employment and believe skills training will help them to do so and who are:
   • In receipt of Income Support enrolling onto an Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2 programme.
   • In receipt of Universal Credit enrolling onto an Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2 programme.
3. 19-23 year olds enrolling onto a full Level 2 programme, with legal entitlement, who do not have a full Level 2 already.
4. 19-23 year olds enrolling onto a full Level 3 programme, with legal entitlement, who do not have a full Level 3 already.

The above reductions are subject to change. For the latest information it’s best to call into the Student Welfare office.

Aside from tuition fees, there are often costs for materials or equipment, transport or childcare. There is support available for both, depending on your household income.

Find out about funding and financial support options:

West Suffolk College Bursary

Advanced Learner Loan

Educational grants from the WSC Education Opportunity Trust