We have grants and bursaries available to help cover some of the costs of coming to college such as travel, food and equipment.
This funding is provided to us by the Government and is available to people who need it the most. We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply so we can make best use of this money.
Contact our Support Funds Team
Call: 0191 490 4627
Email: [email protected]
If you are aged under 19 years old on 31st August 2026 and fall into one of the qualifying categories, you may be eligible for a Higher Rate Bursary worth up to £1,200 per academic year.
You might get this if:
This bursary is for course related costs and helps with things like travel, meals, and course equipment. It’s only for full-time students attending a full year course and depends on your needs. If you’re on a shorter or part time course, your bursary will be reduced.
You might not get a bursary if you do not have financial needs or if your costs are already covered from other sources.
If you do not qualify for a Higher Rate Bursary, you may still be entitled to discretionary funds to help with the cost of coming to college.
We will need to see your parents/carers’ income if you are aged between 16-18 at 31st August 2026 or 19-24 with EHCP.
We may be able to give you help towards the following:
You might be able to get a free meal each day you’re at college if:
Childcare
If you’re under 20 and need help with childcare, you can apply for the Care to Learn scheme. It’s not based on income, but you must use a registered childcare provider.
Awards are calculated on your timetable and when you are due to attend your course (placements are also supported). If you use childcare outside of these hours you will have to pay those fees.
For more information please see our 16-18 Info Booklet & Terms & Conditions.
See our 16-18 Bursary Fund Statement.
Higher Rate Bursary
Discretionary Bursary
This is based on your household income and is for full-time students. It helps towards things like travel and course costs, but it might not cover everything and is subject to funds being available.
It’s only for full-time students attending a full year course and depends on your needs. If you’re on a shorter or part time course, your bursary will be reduced.
You can apply if you or your partner, or your parents/carers receive one of the following:
If your family are employed or self-employed, you can still apply if household income is:
This is based on gross annual current income including any Working Tax Credit/Universal Credit.
Free College Meals
If you are aged under 19 on 31st August 2026 or 19-24 with EHCP and meet the criteria below.
You (if you are living independently) or your parents/carers are in receipt of one of the following:
If you receive any payments for equipment, meals, or travel, you’ll need to keep your receipts or other proof of purchase.
These must show the date, what you bought, and how much it cost. If you don’t provide receipts, your future payments might be paused or even reclaimed. More details will be given in award letter.
To make sure bursary payments are going straight to the student, we need to pay the money directly into a bank account in the student’s name.
Unfortunately, we can’t pay into a parent’s, carer’s, or anyone else’s account (unless the student has an appointee to handle payments).
If you do not currently have a bank account no worries, it’s easy to set one up. Most high street banks offer basic bank accounts for students aged 16 and over.
These accounts are free and don’t require you to have a job or income.
Choose a bank – some popular options include Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC, and Santander. Then apply online or visit a branch you’ll usually need proof of ID (like a passport or provisional driving licence) and proof of address (like a utility bill)
Applications for 26/27 Academic Year are open NOW
Our online application system allows you to apply, access and view your bursary payments easily and securely. With the online portal you’ll be able to see any upcoming payments and view your payments status.
In order to set up an account with PayMyStudent you need your Student Number.
If you do not know your Student Number please contact us by email [email protected] or call 0191 490 4627.
A financial support fund unique to us, we can offer you grants on top of the other financial bursaries available, to help you get the most out of your studies.