There are a number of options available to students seeking financial help while studying.
Your college
Some individual colleges offer grants for students in certain circumstances, contact the college direct to see if you qualify.
Education Maintenance Allowance Scheme (EMA)
You may qualify for help from your Local Education Authority(LEA) under the Education Maintenance Allowance Scheme (EMA) if you have recently left school, are aged 16 years, and are following a course full-time of at least 12 hours per week.
The amount available to you depends on your parents' income and you need to apply direct to your LEA. Some LEAs also offer grants for students aged between 16 and18 whose parents are on a means tested benefit. Authorities have different discretionary awards policies, check with your borough.
Job seekers allowance
Students on full-time courses are not normally able to claim Job seekers allowance. There are a very limited number of exceptions.
Housing benefit
If you are under 19 and in full-time further education, you may be entitled to housing benefit for the period you live away from your family.
Child benefit
If you are under 19 and in full-time further education, your parent/guardian is entitled to Child benefit.
Please visit www.dwp.gov.uk for more information.
Career development loans
These are loans offered by high street banks and designed to help people to pay for vocational education or training by allowing them to pay back after they have completed their studies. The government pays the interest on your loan during your studies. You can usually apply to borrow up to £8,000 to put towards course fees (although not the whole cost of these) plus the full cost of books, materials and other related expenses. If you have been out of work for three months or longer, you may be able to apply for 100% of course fees if your course is full-time.
For an application pack which includes details of repayments and participating branches, telephone 0800 585505.
Student loans
The Government's student loans are designed for students in higher education not further education. Some colleges offer courses that may allow students to qualify. Please contact your college direct.
Other educational grants
It is worth checking with your college if there are any eductional trusts or grants that previous students have successfully applied to. In some areas students studying certain subjects may be eligible to apply for funds from educational trusts.
