Student Loans

16 - 19 Bursary Fund

A bursary is money that you, your education or training provider can use to help you pay for clothing, books, other equipment for your course, transport and lunch on the day that you train. 

There are two types of 16 - 19 Bursary;

 

Vulnerable Student Bursary

You could receive up to £1,200 if at least one of the following applies:

• You're in or recently left Local Authority care 
• You receive Income Support (or Universal Credit in place of Income Support) in your name
• You're disabled and receive both Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) (or Universal Credit in place of ESA), and either Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name.

You may receive the full amount if you have expenses and study full-time on a course of at least 30 weeks. You'll usually get less, or no bursary, if your course is shorter, you study part time or have few expenses. 

 

Discretionary Bursery 

You could receive a Discretionary Bursary if you need financial help but don't qualify for a Vulnerable Student Bursary. Your education or training provider decides how much you get and what it's used for. 

You must be: 

•  Under 19 at the start of the academic year you want a bursary for 
•  Studying at school or college, or on an unpaid training course 

 

University and College Hardship Funds

The Access to Learning Fund has been replaced. Contact your university or college to find out if you're eligible for extra money. 

You could get extra money from your university or college if you're experiencing financial hardship. You may be, for example: 

•  A student with children, especially single parents
•  A mature student with existing financial commitments
•  From a low-income family
•  Disabled
•  A student that was previously in care (a 'care leaver') 
•  Homeless or living in a foyer

What you'll get 

The amount you can get is decided by your university or college. It's paid in a limp sum or installments.

You usually won't have to pay the money back, but in some cases you'll get a loan that you have to repay. 

How to apply

Contact the student services department at your university or college - they'll decide if you qualify.

You'll need:

•  A copy of your letter from Student Finance England showing how much student finance you'll get 
•  Documents about your finances e.g. Bank statements and rent details 

Money from your university or college won't usually be counted as income when working out your entitlement to benefits or tax credits, unless it's for day - to - day living costs. 

Telephone: 0207 062 8933      Email: [email protected]