Studying at college can be life-changing, and nothing should get in the way of that. No matter who you are, we understand everybody’s circumstances are different, so there’s plenty of options for you to look at to make sure you’re financially supported to get the future you want.
If you’re aged 16 to 18 and not studying elsewhere, you don’t have to pay for your course fees for the majority of courses. But for those who are aged under 19, you may be able to get some financial support to help towards the costs of coming to college. You could be entitled to a bursary, extra help with costs such as childcare, books, trips, equipment, travel and meal funding.
We’ve teamed up with Network One to bring students aged 16 to 18 up to £600 of free travel. The card has unlimited use, so you can use it to travel to college, as well as on evenings and weekends. These cards are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
If you’re 16 to 18 and received free school meals while at school, then you could be entitled to the same at college. You’ll be issued with a meal card to use in our refectory, The Dock, Costa and Starbucks. If you qualify, your card will be credited with £2.55 per day, which you also have the option to top-up.
*All support is subject to criteria.
If you’re aged 19+, you could get financial help towards the costs of coming to college. This can include money for extras such as childcare, books, trips, equipment and travel.
Students studying on higher education courses at South Tyneside College can request a copy of our HE Money Matters guide or visit the government website for information on the grants and loans available.
FE loans are available for students aged 19+ wanting to study full level 3 qualifications, as well as approved courses at levels 4 and 5. Rather than having to pay for courses upfront, students will be able to access a loan that they’ll repay once they’ve left the course and are earning over £21,000.
If your loan is for the Access Programme to Higher Education (APHE) and you progress to complete a higher education programme, you won’t have to pay back your FE loan.
South Tyneside College’s financial assistance scheme provides cash payments of £1,200 pro-rata to those under 19 that are:
Students may also be eligible to apply for a travel pass if they’re under 19 from households that live more than a mile away from their chosen centre of study. And students studying on courses that require essential equipment/kit will also be able to apply for assistance.
Funds are distributed on a first come, first served basis, so we recommend you apply early. Applications for financial assistance are also subject to a means test. You can call or grab a form from Student Services.
If you’re an adult aged 19+, you may have to pay for your course fees. However, the UK government or South Tyneside College will help with course fees on some funded courses if you are/have:
You may also be entitled to fee remission if you’re 19+ and:
Please note: The above does not apply to full-cost or higher education courses. Please contact Student Services for details. Some learners over 19 who are completing courses as part of their employment might not receive funding if the course is not their first full Level 2. This is known as workplace learning and can be delivered in the workplace or at college. Please speak to Student Services to check your funding status.
There is financial assistance for students aged 19+ to help with the ongoing cost of studying. This can be for the likes of equipment (certain conditions apply), childcare or travel to college.
With priority given to learners experiencing financial difficulties, the fund is means tested and will require you to give evidence of your household income. Regardless of your income, you may also be eligible for the fund if you feel you need assistance. e.g. if you’re medically ill, in care, adults on a first level 2 qualification, have a disability, have learning difficulties or are a Skills for Life learner.
19+ students in receipt of fee remission won’t be eligible for equipment costs from the Learner Support Fund. Instead, they’ll be able to loan a kit from the department or can opt to purchase one.
Funds are limited, so apply as early as possible. Get in touch or get an application form from Student Services.
We want to make coming to college as affordable as possible, so South Tyneside College has a bursary scheme for students that will help with the costs associated with studying.
If you’re a parent, you could be entitled to help with childcare costs. Care to Learn is an allowance of up to £160 per week for each child, which is paid directly to your childcare provider on a monthly basis. It’s not dependent on your family income, so all students aged under 20 who have children are eligible to apply. To request an application pack, visit Student Services.
Students that are eligible for the bursary scheme must be travelling from outside of the North East, or demonstrate that travelling time on public transport would be more than one hour for a single journey.
The amount awarded is based on the number of applications received. To request an application form, please contact Student Services.
If you need any more information or a funding application form, please contact our Student Services Team and we’ll be happy to help.
Our team is always ready to help. So if you have questions on courses, your career, or anything else, complete this contact form and we’ll be in touch.
