Fees and ALG
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
Please note that no new applications will be accepted by EMA after 31st December 2010. Students already in receipt of EMA will continue to receive it up to the end of their course for this current academic year.
Further information regarding the closure of the EMA scheme can be found on the EMA website.
Fees
The same tuition fee is paid in respect of all students on courses of study. However the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) provides funding for certain categories of students as shown below:
| Category | LSC Pays | Student Pays |
|---|---|---|
| 16 – 18 yr olds (EU nationals or resident in UK with parents) | all tuition fees | No Fees |
| 19 + yr olds (EU nationals or resident in UK for 3 yrs +) | part of tuition fee | £2100 pa plus exam fees (you may be eligible for concessions on these fees) |
| 16 – 18 yr olds (non-EU students from Overseas) | no contribution to fee | £5200 pa |
Other essential information
At enrolment, you will be asked to pay a deposit of £60 to cover textbooks, materials and a student handbook. This is refundable only when the leaving procedures have been completed. It is not refundable under other circumstances.
Examinations
Entry fees for first attempt examinations are paid by the College, subject to satisfactory attendance and performance. Resits will require you to pay the appropriate amount(s).
Additional Costs
Some courses require specialist equipment, materials or tools which need to be purchased. Please look at course leaflets for details. There will be charges made for educational visits and field-trips which will cover the costs incurred.
Financial support
If you are experiencing financial hardship, Learner Support Funds are available to help with the costs associated with attending courses, transport and meals. Contact the College for details of eligibility or ask at your College interview.
Adult Learning Grant
If you are 19 or over, studying at least 12 hours a week and doing your first full Level 2 (ie BTEC First, GCSE) or Level 3 qualification (ie BTEC National, AS/A Level) - then you may be eligible for the Adult Learning Grant (ALG).
ALG offers a helping hand while you study. It pays up to £30 a week, that's around £1,000 a year (terms and conditions apply), to help you with things like travel, books and materials. You can use ALG to study for a wide range of courses and even if you are working part-time or living at home, you could still be entitled to ALG.
To find out more, contact Julie Shephard in the main college administration office, call 0800 100 900 or log onto the directgov Adult Learning Grant pages.