Financial Support for Higher Education Students
HE Hardship Loan
The College has a loan facility available to students that have a financial need*. The cost of the support provided to the student will be in the form of a repayable loan.
Available support includes:
- Course-related costs, including course trips, books and equipment (where these costs are not included in the tuition fee), support with domestic emergencies and emergency accommodation
- Transport costs
- Professional membership fees and any fees or charges due to external bodies
- Support provided by others, or by providing items or services or cash direct to the learner
HE Hardship Grant
The College has a grant facility available to students that have a financial need*. The support to the student will be in the form of a non-repayable grant.
Available support includes:
- Course-related costs, including course trips, books and equipment (where these costs are not included in the tuition fee), support with domestic emergencies and emergency accommodation
- Transport costs
- Professional membership fees and any fees or charges due to external bodies
- Support provided by others, or by providing items or services or cash direct to the learner
*subject to conditions, fund availability and evidence being provided
Council Tax Exemption
Your local council may request a certificate which proves that your son/daughter is a full-time student at College, if they are 18 or over. Students can request a certificate by speaking to Student Services. There is usually a 2-3 day turnaround for requests, however during busier periods this may take longer.
If you are the only adult living in your property and your son/daughter turns 18, you may be eligible for a discount on your Council Tax. Contact your local council for information. If you are in receipt of Housing and/or Council Tax Reduction, it is essential to provide a Student Certificate once your son/daughter turns 18.
Child Benefit and Tax Credits
Child Benefit can be claimed for full-time students between 16 and 19. The course must be ‘non-Advanced’ which, for the purposes of Child Benefit includes A Levels, all BTEC Levels and Cache qualifications. Your son/daughter must have started, enrolled or been accepted on their course before the age of 19.
For more information contact the Child Benefit Helpline on 0300 200 3100 or go to www.gov.uk/child-benefit-16-19. In addition if you are eligible to receive Child Tax Credits, the same age criteria apply. Evidence of enrolment is usually not required to continue your claim.
