Financial Assistance for Students 2011-12
Find out more about:
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
The following students currently receiving EMA will be eligible for a £1,200 bursary in place of their current weekly EMA payments:
- Young people in care.
- Care leavers.
- Those in receipt of Income Support.
- Those in receipt of both Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
NB. Evidence will be required.
Find out more about 16 - 18 Bursary Fund...
Students who successfully applied for EMA in 2009/10 will continue to receive payments at the level set out in their EMA guarantee for each week they are in education or training, until the end of the 2011/12 academic year.
Students who successfully applied for the maximum weekly EMA payment of £30 in 2010/11 will be eligible for £20 for each week they are in education or training, until the end of the 2011/12 academic year.
Students who started in Year 12 in September 2010 and who received either £20 or £10 a week EMA will no longer receive EMA but they can apply for the 16 – 18 bursary fund from college, this will provide support for travel and essential equipment costs.
For more information on EMA, visit the DirectGov website or call the national helpline on 0800 121 8989.
Adult Learner Grant (ALG)
ALG will only be payable to students who return in the academic year 2011/12 to complete their course.
You can find out about ALG from the DirectGov website or by calling the national helpline on 0800 121 8989.
Learner Support Fund (LSF)
Essential equipment and travel support
All students must be on a learner responsive course – please check with the College if you are unsure whether your course qualifies.
Residency status
If you residency status is listed below, you may be eligible for LSF:
- British citizen
- EU/EEA citizen
- Refugee
- Indefinite leave to remain/enter
Household income
If you are in receipt of a means-tested benefit, or your household income is below £20,817, you may be entitled to an award.
Your household income can increase by £1,000 for each additional child. So, for example, if you have three children, we will discount your first child and your assessment will be based on a household income of £22,817 (£20,817, plus £2,000 for the additional two children).
Part-time students
Part-time students will be assessed on the same criteria as above but awarded on a pro rata basis according to their guided learning hours.
More information
If you require any further information, please contact the Student Finance team on 0115 9 100 100.
Please note: maximum contribution levels apply. All awards are subject to the availability of funds; 90% attendance; and adherence to the student code of conduct and the agreed individual learning plan.
Access to Learning Fund (ALF)
This funding can help full-time higher education students continue with their studies if they find themselves in unexpected financial hardship. You can apply for the fund at any point during the year and it is usually non-repayable.
Please note that the fund is not available to international or EU students.
For more information, an application form, or to check on the progress of your application, please contact the Student Finance team on 0115 9 100 100.
Hardship Fund
Emergency financial support is available in order to help you remain on your course. Please call 0115 9 100 100 and ask to speak to Student Services.