Financial Support
Provided you are under 19 years of age when you start College and have been a resident in the UK for three years or more, tuition is free. A variety of financial support arrangements are in place to help you should problems arise (subject to available funds).
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
EMA is being phased out by the government. No new applications for EMA will be accepted, but there will still be some EMA payments in 2011/12:
- If you received £30 per week EMA in 2010/11, you will get £20 per week EMA in 2011/12.
- If you received £10 or £20 per week EMA in 2010/11, you will get no EMA in 2011/12.
Student Support Scheme
The College has set up its own Student Support Scheme in place of EMA and the previous Learner Support Fund (LSF). The government funding for this scheme is much lower than before and we have identified two main categories of support. Eligibility criteria – please check here to see if you qualify.
- Up to £1,200 to help you during your time here with us if you qualify for Category 1 status
- Up to £640 to help you during your time here with us if you qualify for Category 2 status
Take a look at just some of the fantastic benefits you could be entitled to when you join us as a student this September....
- A student NUS discount card for money-off in many high street shops
- Superb deals and offers in our Westside coffee shop & restaurant
- Free gym membership
- Free student parking