If you are experiencing problems and require information or support please call into Customer Services for advice on all welfare issues. We have a wide range of contacts with other support agencies operating within the county.
Who can apply for financial support?
You can apply for financial support if you are aged 16 and over in the academic year in which the course starts and you are in receipt of, or a dependant of someone in receipt of, a means tested benefit or if you are a student on low income, or a dependant of someone on a low income below £16,500. Applications are considered on an individual basis in accordance with College and External Body regulations and subject to available funds.
What help can I get?
If you are a student under 19 on 31 August in the calendar year of the first year of an LSC funded course you are not required to pay the tuition or examination/awarding body registration fees.
If you meet the criteria for receiving financial support you can also get help with funding towards your:
- CRB check awards up to 100%
- Materials awards up to 75% of the costs
- Studio fees awards up to 75% of the costs
Other items in certain circumstances, help is available with other costs for full-time students under 19 living independently in receipt of means tested benefit e.g. meal vouchers. Please ask for details from the Welfare Administrator, Customer Services 01453 761185.
What help can I get?
19+ full-time students
If you are a student aged over 19, in receipt of means tested benefit (MTB), the tuition fee is waived. The College needs to see evidence that you are receiving a MTB. If you are in receipt of a MTB, you can also apply for help with exam fees.
How do I apply?
Complete an "Application for Financial Support" form and provide supporting information e.g.
- Copy of Income Support letter
- Housing benefit letter
- Council tax benefit
- Job seekers allowance letter
- ESA Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credit showing income less than £15,276 / Inland Revenue Letter 2009/2010
- Bring evidence to College when you enrol.
- ·(Evidence must be current and within two months of enrolment)
Where can I get the forms?
Pull out the application form on pages 16-19 or contact Customer Services on 01453 761185
What happens next?
Completed application forms will be assessed and the information on the form will be used to decide on the amount of support to be provided. If you are not happy with the decision, there is an appeals procedure.
Please speak to the Funds Administrator or Customer Services Manager in the first instance.
For students on a low income (£16,500 and below), income and expenditure details on the form will be used to assess whether financial support can be provided. Students will be advised on the outcome of the application and the amount awarded. In order to receive awards, students must be attending college and working satisfactorily on their course.
Tuition Fees
Please note that this year the college is not able to grant any direct financial assistance with tuition fees. This is due to the changes in the rules set by the government about the type of support we offer. You will be responsible for paying all fees.There is a new entitlement to funding for tuition fees which you may be eligible for. Please see details below.
Level 2 course funding
The College is funded to support the Government policy of increasing the number of adults with full level 2 qualifications. If you are over 19 and do not already have a full level 2 qualification (e.g. NVQ2, 5 GCSEs grades A C) and you are enrolling on a full level 2 qualification, you may be able to get a significant reduction in the costs of doing your course.
For full details please contact Customer Services.
Please note:
- This funding does not apply to all Level 2 courses
- Entitlement only covers tuition tees and not exam fees which you can apply for financial assistance with
Level 3 course funding
The College also supports the scheme to increase the number of adults with full Level 3 qualifications. If you are aged 19 25 and do not already have a full level 3 qualification (e.g. NVQ3, 2 A-level subjects) and you are enrolling on a full level 3 qualification, you may be able to get a significant reduction in the costs of your course.
For full details please contact Customer Services
Please note:
This does not apply to all Level 3 courses. Entitlement only covers tuition fees and not exam fees which you can apply for financial assistance with.
Are there any other sources of financial support?
Charities Contact the Funds & Welfare Administrator for more details on 01453 761185.
Students on Training Schemes are not eligible for financial support from the funds
ALL ALLOCATIONS ARE MADE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
© Stroud College 2010