Financial Support

If you are aged 16–18 on 31st August, you will not usually pay tuition fees for your course. Most full-time college-level study programmes are fully funded for this age group.

However, you may still have additional costs, including:

• Travel to and from college
• Uniforms, kits, and equipment
• Educational trips
• Meals while at college
• Childcare (if applicable)

This is where the college bursary can help support you.

Helps cover extra costs associated with college attendance—travel, equipment, meals, trips, and childcare.

Vulnerable Bursary – Up to £1,200 per year

• In care or a care leaver
• Receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in your own name
• Receiving both ESA and either PIP or DLA

Discretionary Bursary

For households earning £45,000pa or less. Supports:

• Travel to/from college
• Uniform, kit, or equipment
• Educational visits
• Meal support (if not eligible for free college meals)
• Childcare support (if under 20, via Care to Learn)

Applications are assessed individually based on financial need and participation costs.

Available for learners aged 16–18, those continuing a programme started 16–18, or 19–25 with an EHCP—who meet certain benefit criteria. Meal allowances are usually confirmed within 3–5 working days with correct evidence. Keep receipts while waiting for confirmation.

For learners aged 19+ with household income under £45,000pa. Can support:

• Travel
• Equipment, uniforms, or kit
• Educational visits
• Childcare (for Ofsted-registered providers)

Eligibility assessed based on income and course type. Fully funded courses may qualify automatically.

This bursary is for eligible apprentices who are in care or are care leavers. It will help remove financial barriers to accessing and completing apprenticeships.

For apprentices starting their apprenticeship on or after 1 August 2023, the bursary will be £3,000. It is payable in instalments over the first year of the apprenticeship. The bursary is only paid once per eligible apprentice, even if they start more than one apprenticeship.

This bursary is not means-tested and is separate from other learner support funds.

To qualify, you must:

• Be aged under 25 at the start of your apprenticeship
• Be currently in care or a recognised care leaver (this may include foster care, local authority care, or supported living)
• Be undertaking an approved apprenticeship programme
• This bursary is usually arranged through your employer and training provider, and claimed via the apprenticeship service
• Speak to your employer, apprenticeship tutor, or training provider for help with accessing the LAC bursary

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, or health condition, you may be able to access additional support through:

• Access to Work – government-funded support that helps with specialist equipment, transport to work, or job coaching
• Apprenticeship provider learning support – if you need extra help with learning as part of your programme. Speak to your training provider or line manager for guidance.

Some apprenticeship employers may offer additional help such as:

• Uniform or equipment reimbursement
• Travel allowances or fuel support
• Meal vouchers or workplace canteen discounts
• Professional development funding

It’s always worth asking your HR or apprenticeship contact what internal support is available.

For students under 20 with childcare responsibilities. Covers up to £180 per week per child, retainer fees, deposits, and support during placements or off-site learning.

• Use an Ofsted-registered provider
• Provide proof of parental responsibility and age
• Apply through the bursary team; processed directly by UODB

Available if you have an approved Advanced Learner Loan for a Level 3–6 qualification. Supports:

• Travel
• Books, kit, or uniforms
• Childcare with Ofsted-registered providers
• Learning support/additional needs

Household income must be under £45,000 to qualify.

Learners living on viable public transport routes are not eligible for direct payments. Instead, they may receive travel pass contributions. Direct payments are for exceptional circumstances and must be evidenced.

If you live in Derbyshire and are aged 16–18, you can apply for the b_line card, which gives you:

• Discounted bus and local rail travel across Derbyshire and the High Peak
• Access to discounts at selected local businesses

Apprentices aged over 18 may wish to check if their employer contributes to travel costs or offers other workplace schemes.

TOTUM offers a specific TOTUM Apprentice card, giving access to a wide range of student discounts even if you’re not in full-time education.

Discounts on travel, tech, fashion, food, and more

Valid ID for use in-store and online

External Bursaries:

• Bingham Trust Bursary
• City & Guilds Bursary
• Fairfield Endowed School Trust Grant

Young people aged 16–30 who are unemployed, underemployed, or not in full-time education may receive up to £250 to help with:

• Equipment or tools for a course
• Travel for learning or interviews
• Clothing for placements
• Exam or accreditation fees

Apply via King’s Trust.

Councils and local charities may offer discretionary grants for essential equipment, emergency transport, and personal development. Contact your Local Authority or Bursary Team for help locating these opportunities.