Financial support for students aged 16-18

Each year, the college distributes government funds provided to assist students who may be experiencing financial hardship. If a student’s application is accepted, the college will help with essential educational costs.

What can the bursary help with?

The bursary provides in-kind support, meaning the college will buy the items you need on your behalf, such as:

  • Travel passes
  • Free college meals
  • Stationery
  • Kit/uniform
  • Essential trips
  • Essential course materials.

Funding for the Discretionary Bursary is limited, and it is not an entitlement.

Eligibility and types

We offer two different bursaries to students who are 16-18-years-old at the start of their college course, and meet the right criteria.

You will not be eligible if you are joining an apprenticeship or higher education course.

  • 16-18 Discretionary Bursary

    • You will need to be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August at the start of your course OR hold an EHCP.
      AND
    • Your household income must be less than £29,000 net (2025-2026 income limit).

       

    This total household income is calculated inclusive of benefits received, such as Universal Credit, Net take-home pay from employment and self-employment, and any rent paid on your behalf through housing benefit or Universal Credit. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are not considered when calculating household income.

    Not sure if you are eligible? If you don’t qualify for our bursary, we will always try to direct you to other sources of support.

  • Vulnerable Bursary

    You will need to be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August at the start of your course.

    AND belong to one of four identified vulnerable groups

    • in care.
    • care leavers.
    • receiving Income Support (IS), or Universal Credit (UC), because you are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you and living with you, such as a child or partner.
    • receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in your own right, as well as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or UC in your own right.

     

    Students living in Wales are not eligible for Vulnerable Bursary funding.

 

To apply, please visit our bursary application page.

Aged 19+? Please visit our 19+ Bursary page.