Financial support for part-time students

Don't let the costs of university level study stop you:

• College is often less expensive than other local universities
• Financial support is available, such as loans, grants and benefits

You also stand a better chance of earning more with a university qualification.

Find out more by visiting Student Finance England or contacting Learner Services on 0117 312 5000 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The fees and financial support on this page is for EU and 'home' students only. EU students are eligible for home fees but not necessarily for the full support package unless they meet the three years residency criteria. Please visit www.directgov.uk for more information.

Grants

Tuition fee loans are not normally available for part-time students. The main sources of financial support for part time students come from grants:

• Fee grant (to help with tuition fees) - this is paid directly to the College
• Course grant (to help with study costs, such as books, materials and travel) - this is paid directly to you

The level of fee grant and course grant you are eligible for will depend on your household income and the intensity of the course you are following. For the most intensive courses, the maximum available through the fee grant and course grant combined is £1,495 for 2011/12. You won’t have to repay either a fee grant or course grant.

Professional and Career Development Loans

If your circumstances mean that you are not eligible for financial support from the government, then you may be entitled to a Professional and Career Development Loan.

Grants from educational trusts and charities

On top of student finance provided by the government you may be eligible for an award from one of a number of organisations which provide help for students in higher education.

Access to Learning Fund (ALF) and Additional Fee Support Scheme (AFSS)

You can apply to the Access to Learning Fund for course-related costs once you are attending College. Also, if you are studying 50% or more of a full-time course you may be eligible for help from the Additional Fee Support Scheme.

Complete the ALF application and submit with all required documentation to see if you qualify. Read through the Guidance Notes before applying.

You can also get further information and support by contacting Learner Services on 0117 312 5000 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Claiming benefits

Part-time students on a low income may be able to claim a range of income-related benefits including:

• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Benefit

Applicants who are currently in receipt of benefits should contact Jobcentre Plus or the Citizen's Advice Bureau for individual, tailored advice.

Disabled Students' Allowance

• A range of help is available which is not dependent on household income.

Interested in studying full time?