Free Course Fees
If you will be under 19 on 1 September 2011 the full-time courses listed on this site are FREE - there are no registration, tuition, or examination fees. However, there will be a charge should you need to re-sit examinations.
If you will be over 19 on 1 September 2011 tuition and registration fees will be payable, some fee remission may be available and will be discussed at interview.
Fees will be remitted in accordance with the SFA guidelines - Full Level 2, Full Level 3, Income based benefits etc, however the registration fee is payable by all.
If you are claiming income support or Job Seeker‘s allowance, contact the Student Finance Officer on 01476 400281 who will be pleased to advise you on how it is possible to study courses listed on this website and still claim your benefit.
Financial Assistance
If you require financial assistance, you can apply for the following:
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMAs) is available to you if you are 16-18 and studying on a full time course.
This is a weekly payment of up to £30 if you have a household income of less than £30,810 per year.
EMA will finish in August 2011 but you can still apply for EMA up to 31st December 2010 if you will be studying a full time course during 2010/11.
The College Learner Support Fund is financed by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) each September and is available to help you if you are facing serious financial problems whilst studying.
Residential Support Scheme funding will support you if you wish to study courses at Level 2 or above. It is only available to you if your course is not available locally and is beyond daily travel in terms of either time or distance. This scheme is particularly appropriate for applicants to the Sports Academy. For specific information please telephone 0161 234 7021.
For general details about any of these sources of assistance contact the Student Finance Officer on 01476 400281.
If you are applying for further education programmes you must firstly apply to your Local Education Authority (LEA) for assistance with travel. If your LEA is unable to help there may be very limited support available. Please contact the Student Finance Officer on 01476 400281 for further information.
Additional Costs
For some courses such as Hospitality & Catering, Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy and Visual Performing Arts & Media you will require special clothes and equipment. You will be given details of what is required at interview. If your course includes physical education you will need appropriate sportswear.
International & Non-UK Students
Please note the financial information provided in this course guide relates to students who have been normally resident in the UK for at least three years. Different fee arrangements may apply to you if you fall outside this category or are resident overseas. Contact the Information, Advice, Guidance & Enrolment Team on 0800 0521 577 for specific advice and guidance.
Adult Learning Grant (ALG)
If you are over 19 and studying for your first Level 2 or Level 3 qualification you may be eligible for up to £30 per week, whilst you are studying.