If you are a ‘home’ student for fee purposes, aged over 19 and studying your first full Level 2 qualification, OR aged 19-25 and studying for your first full Level 3 qualification, you may be entitled to free tuition fees. You will still need to pay any exam, registration or material fees though.
Discretionary Learner Support Fund (dLSF)
This is a means tested discretionary fund aimed to help with course costs for students who have exceptional social or financial circumstances. To get this help students will need to be a ‘home’ student for fee purposes and met our dLSF Criteria.
Payments from the dLSF are paid in instalments and are dependent on a positive tutor reference. The references are based on attendance, punctuality and completion of work.
Adult Learning Grant (ALG)
Students already in receipt of Adult Learning Grant may still be eligible for this to continue until the end of 2012.
- Students must be studying for their first level 3 qualification
- Students must be progressing into the 2nd year of a 2 year level 3 course
- Students CANNOT be on any means tested benefit (e.g. Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, or Incapacity Benefit)
- Students must have 100% attendance
NB: If you are an Asylum seeker and aged over 19 you will not be eligible for dLSF, but please contact your Student Advisor who will give you other options for funding.
Career Development Loans (CDL)A Career Development Loan could help you pay for learning that enhances your job skills or career prospects. It’s a bank loan, so you’ll have to pay it back once you’ve left your course. However, you don’t pay interest for the period when you’re in learning. Read more at
www.direct.gov.uk or call 0800 100 900
Help with Travel CostsFor students aged 19+, Transport for London are offering 30% discount off the adult fare for season tickets, for those studying 15 hours or more per week. Find out more information at
www.tfl.gov.uk.