Money for study and training
Thinking of staying on in education or training? Financial support is available. Read on to find out more. There is also more information on the topics covered below at: moneytolearn.direct.gov.uk
16-19 Bursary fund
If you’re aged between 16 and 19 years and think you might need help with the costs of continuing with full-time education or training you may receive a Bursary. The Bursary is the replacement for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) which has now closed to new applicants.
Students most in need will be eligible to receive a Bursary of £1,200 a year. This group includes:
- people in care
- care leavers
- people claiming income support
- disabled young people who receive Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
Other students facing genuine financial difficulties may be awarded a Bursary at the discretion of their school, college or training provider.
Unlike the EMA, schools, colleges and training providers will be responsible for awarding bursaries to students. With the exception of the £1,200 bursaries for students most in need, they decide on the amount. They will also decide when bursaries are paid, and will set conditions that students should meet to receive a Bursary, for example, linked to behaviour or attendance.
Care to Learn
You can claim Care to Learn if you are under 20, caring for your own child and doing a school and college course or training programme that receives public funding (fathers are eligible if they are the main carers). An application can be made as soon as you have a confirmed place on a learning programme. Funding is available for childcare costs, any registration fee where charged, any childcare fees you must pay in holidays and any additional travel costs you must pay to take your child to the carer. Your childcare provider must be registered with Ofsted. Go to moneytolearn.direct.gov.uk for more information
Further education residential support
You may be interested in studying a course that is not available within a reasonable travelling distance from your home. (This is sometimes the case for young people wanting to study particular specialist courses, for example in dance, agriculture/horticulture, music or art and design). This may mean living away from home at a residential college. There are two ways of getting funding for this.
First, there are specialist residential colleges across the UK that offer bursaries for students who want to study with them. You need to apply directly to the college for funding. A list of these colleges is available at: moneytolearn.direct.gov.uk/residentialBursary
If you’re interested in another college not on this list, there is a second option: You may be able to apply for funding from the Residential Support Scheme (RSS), which pays for residential accommodation and associated travel costs. The course must be your first Level 2 or 3 qualification, involve 15 hours attendance per week, and last at least ten weeks. You can find out more and download an application form by visiting moneytolearn.direct.gov.uk and clicking on the ‘extra help with your learning costs’ and then ‘studying away from home’ links.
Dance and Drama Awards
These are available at 21 accredited dance and drama schools in England. The professional courses cover acting, dance, musical theatre and production skills.
A Dance and Drama Award can help you pay for your tuition fees but you will be expected to make a contribution. For the 2011/2012 academic year the student contribution is £1,275.
This award is not means tested, however it is only available through your audition and is available for students who are 16+ years old. If you then need support towards your fees contribution, living and learning costs there is a means tested award. To apply for the acting or management course funding you must be 18 or over. For more information on these awards check: moneytolearn.direct.gov.uk or the student helpline: 0800 121 8989.
Discretionary Learner support
Learning providers (e.g. colleges and training providers) have access to additional funding to support those facing difficulties in paying for books, equipment or field trips. If you face difficulties you will need to discuss this with your tutor, or student support/ welfare department.
Other information
In addition to the information on the previous page, your parents or carers will still be able to carry on receiving child benefit and child tax credits and any other dependants’ benefits they may receive for you. Check out the HMRC site on www.hmrc.gov.uk to find out more information on both child benefit and tax credits. For the tax credits helpline call 0845 300 3900.
You can also ring the child benefit line on 0845 302 1444. If you have no parent or carer to support you, you may be entitled to claim benefits yourself. See your Adviser or visit your local Jobcentre Plus for advice. Other support may be available for students with learning difficulties or disabilities. See your Adviser for more details.
Travel
Young people aged 16-18 who live in the London area and are in full-time learning (including work-based learning) can travel free on buses and trams all over London and at half the adult fare on the Tube, DLR and London Overground. For this, you need a 16+ Oyster card. Application forms are available from your local Post Office.
Young people aged 16-17 who are not in full-time learning or who don’t live in London are entitled to half price fares on buses, the Tube, DLR and London Overground. A 16+ photocard is required. For more information look on the Transport for London website: www.tfl.gov.uk
For more information on awards and financial support, call the Learner Support Helpline on 0800 121 8989.
Hoping to continue into higher education?
You need to be aware of the costs of higher education, as well as of the longterm benefits. Loans are available for tuition fees, accommodation and living costs and there are grants available for those from low-income families. For more information on funding for higher education, see www.studentfinance.directgov.uk