There are two pages in this section. To get to the second page follow 'next' at the bottom of this page.There is a wide range of help available for people studying up to and including 'A' level or AVCE courses but it is complicated. Get advice if you are not sure about anything.
Fees
There are no course fees to pay if you are under 19 years. If you are aged 19 or over, courses are often free or have a reduced fee for people living on benefit or a low income. Ask the college about "remission of fees".
Grants
These are only available for full-time courses. Check that you have lived in Great Britain long enough to qualify for a grant. Get advice if you are turned down.
If you are under 25 years, your parents' income may be used to decide how much grant is paid. It depends on your age and circumstances.
At School, 6th Form College or Further Education College
Age 16-19?
There is a scheme of Education Maintenance Allowances paying up to £30 a week to 16-19 year olds staying on at school or college. How much you get depends on your family income.
If you have a baby, child or children, there are schemes to help you with childcare costs when you are at school, in training or at college. Ask the school, scheme or college for more information.
Living and studying in the City of Manchester?
If you are not eligible to apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance, you can apply for:
- assistance from Manchester's Post-16 Awards scheme, made up of college bursaries and other help, available if you attending a full-time course at a further education or sixth form college, or
- an Education Maintenance Grant (EMG) paid out of Learner Support Funds if you are going into a sixth form in a high school.
Manchester City Council is dealing on behalf of the colleges with claims for grants from the Learner Support Funds and also running a 'top-up' scheme for students living in the City of Manchester. You can get more details from the Student Support Section (external website).
- Check what other help you can get from the Learner Support Fund apart from the grant.
- Asylum seekers: since September 2003 asylum seekers age under 19 have been allowed to apply to the Learner Support Fund for help with study costs.
Living in other areas or too old for an Education Maintenance Allowance?
Colleges have money in their Learner Support Funds for grants. Ask the college how to apply. Also ask whether your local council is running a scheme to 'top up' the grant from the Learner Support Fund.
Do Grants or Education Maintenance Allowances affect my benefits?
Grants from the Learner Support Fund
One-off payments and grants for books, travel and equipment, also grants for living costs of up to £20 a week, won't affect benefits.
Top-up grants from the local authority
Any amount in the grant described as being for books, equipment and travel won't affect benefits.
Education Maintenance Allowances
Education Maintenance Allowances from the national scheme won't affect your benefits or your parents' benefits.
For information about other financial help for students studying non-advanced courses, follow 'next'
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
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