Bursaries for 16-18 year-olds
You may be eligible for financial support to help while studying. This will depend on which course you study, how far away from your college centre you live, and your household circumstances. You must meet the eligibility criteria and have attendance at 90% and above
16-18 Vulnerable Bursary
To receive this support you need to be classed as one or more of the following:
- In care
- A care leaver
- Receiving Income Support or Universal Credit because you are financially supporting yourself, or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you and living with you, such as a child or partner
- Receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in your own right as well as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in your own right
The maximum award for the vulnerable bursary is £1,200 per year.
16-18 Discretionary Bursary
This bursary is to help with travel and materials. The support is means-tested and you need to be a dependent of someone with low income or on benefits or financially supporting yourself.
You will need to upload proof of household income or benefits with your application. The fund is not guaranteed and it will only be paid to those who meet the attendance criteria of 90% or above.
If you are aged 19 or over you will only be eligible to receive a discretionary bursary if you are continuing on a study program you began aged 16 to 18 (‘19+ continuer’) or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Bursary applications
Please complete an online application: Bursary applications
Free College Meals
If you got free meals at school or college last academic year you can continue to do so while in further education. Click here to learn more.
TfL Oyster Scheme
If you are aged 16-17, please apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster photo card.
If you are aged 18 on 31st August and you live in a London Borough you can still apply for the 16+ zip oyster card as you will be in full time education. You’ll need to apply online in your own name and when prompted add in the college name. You will need to download and print a verification letter to take to college, which we’ll sign and stamp you’ll need to take to a post office along with proof of age and address to get your photo card.
Care to Learn
If you are aged 16-19 at the start of your course the Care to Learn scheme can help with childcare costs while you study. To apply please complete the Application Form on the gov.uk website here
Contact us
Any questions please email: [email protected]