We have a range of financial support packages that you may be able to access depending on your circumstances. If you’re a student aged 16-18 then you do not pay any tuition, registration or exam fees, but you may be required to purchase course-related resources during your studies.
To be eligible for the 16 – 19 bursary you must be 18 or under on 31st August in the academic year you start college or be aged 24 and under if have an EHC plan (Educational Healthcare Plan). Other requirements include:
If you’re a younger student, you can apply to the Learner Support Fund for additional help with course-related travel expenses and other costs. It should be noted that funds are limited and awards aren’t guaranteed.
The government has extended the free meals support to students from lower income families attending further education courses. This means that if you were in receipt of free meals whilst at school and are aged 16 – 18, you may still receive an allowance towards your lunch. In order to be eligible, you or your parents must be in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
If you think you may be eligible, please call into Student Services to see a member of the Student Finance team.
If you’re a young parent, you may be able to get help with childcare costs (up to £160 per child per week). For more information about this support, please contact the Care to Learn helpline on 0800 121 8989 for more information and an application pack.
Childcare Expenses, including travel expenses to and from a childcare provider for young parents aged 16-18, can also be accessed through the national Care2Learn scheme.
‘Our Pass’ is a free bus travel scheme for 16-18 year olds who live and travel within the Greater Manchester area. Visit www.ourpass.co.uk for more information on the scheme and to apply.
‘Our Pass’ replaces bursary financial assistance for bus travel if you’re a student within the Greater Manchester area.
Please note: if you use an ‘Our Pass’ for journeys to and from college, you will not be eligible for a travel contribution from the bursary.
An ‘Our Pass’ will cost £10 and this fee will be reimbursed by the college if you are eligible for the bursary, live more than 2 miles from the college, and use an ‘Our Pass’ for your college journeys.
If you live outside the Greater Manchester area, or have to use alternative transport methods, you may be eligible for financial support for travel. Please contact Student Services to discuss this with a Financial Support Officer.
19+ Learner Support Fund and Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund
To be eligible for this bursary you must be over 19 in the academic year you start college.
Your household income of £40,000 per annum (gross) or less, then you can apply to the Learner Support Fund or Advanced Learner Loan Bursary (depending on how your course is funded) at the College. The fund can help towards course-related costs such as equipment, travel and trips. It should be noted that funds are limited and awards aren’t guaranteed.
In addition, we can provide support towards the cost of your childcare with an Ofsted registered childcare provider on the days and times you are in College. We are able to support up to £60 per day for a full day and £40 for a morning/afternoon. We can also help with before and after school costs, up to £20 per session. For support with childcare costs, please call into Learner Services and speak to the Finance Support Officer.
Scholars Permit
Once your Our Pass stops working (the 31st August after your 18th birthday) and you are in full time, further education and live in Greater Manchester, you may qualify for a Scholars Permit up to the end of the academic year when you turn 19. For a one off £5 cost, the pass allows the holder to pay the concessionary fare for bus journeys, or reduced fares on train and tram journeys between your home and college. You can get an application form from Learner Services or Main Reception at College, any Greater Manchester Travelshop, or by visiting www.tfgm.com
Stagecoach UniRider
If you are over 18 and use only Stagecoach buses, the Stagecoach UniRider Pass may be the most cost effective way of travelling. They offer either an annual pass, or termly (3 month) pass, which is roughly half the price of purchasing a weekly bus ticket. Visit this website for more information: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/manchester/unirider
System 1
If you use multiple modes of public transport or multiple bus operators, then a System 1 pass may be the best value for you. There are weekly, monthly, termly and annual season tickets for students. These tickets can be used for multiple journeys at any time and are valid anywhere in Greater Manchester, not just between home and college. These tickets can be purchased online from the relevant transport operator or at your local Paypoint outlet. Visit www.paypoint.co.uk for locations.
These cards can be used on virtually all public transport services in Greater Manchester, regardless of which company runs them. If you are aged 16 – 26 and in full time education, you will need to get a System One
student membership card to buy student bus passes. These Travelcards can be purchased online at www.systemonetravelcards.co.uk or at your local paypoint outlet. Visit www.paypoint.co.uk for locations.
