Money for studying at a local college or sixth form

Fees and Costs

If you are 19 or under you won’t usually have to pay fees to go to college or sixth form full-time (unless you go to an independent school or private college). There may be some charges for things like equipment, visits and books.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

If your family income is less than £30,810 per year you can apply for a weekly Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) of up to £30 per week. The amount of EMA you get will depend on the amount of your family income. See our EMA page for more info.

You can get more info from your school or college, from your Connexions Personal Adviser, from the EMA website or the EMA Helpline 0800 121 8989

Request an EMA Application Pack

Learner Support Funds

If you are struggling financially whilst at sixth form or college you can apply for help from the Learner Support Fund (sometimes called ‘Access Fund’). There is a limited amount of cash available and it will go to the most needy students – ask at your school or college for details.

Care to Learn.

Are you a young parent aged from 16-19 who wants to carry on with learning? Care to Learn can give you money to cover the cost of your childcare. Find out more by logging on to the Care to Learn web site or ringing their helpline on 0845 600 2809

Child Benefit and Tax Credits

Whilst you are in full-time education (except Higher Education) your parents can continue to claim Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits for you until you turn 20.

Career Development Loans

If you are unable to claim other kinds of financial support for the course you want to study and you are over 18 you may be able to get a career development loan. These can be used to cover living and course costs for a job related course of up to two years in length. No repayments need to be made until one month after the course ends. Check out the  Career Development Loan (CDL) section on the Directgov website for more info or call the CDL Helpline on 0800 585 505.

If you are 19 or over

If you start a course when you are 19 or over, advice on where to get financial help is available on the Directgov website.

Benefits

Some students may qualify for benefits and/or tax credits. See our benefits and tax pages to find out more

Part - Time and Holiday Work

You may decide that you need to earn some money to cover the cost of living and studying. You could work at weekends, in the evenings or during school/college holidays. The experience could give you skills that will help you in your career. Don’t commit yourself to too many hours though – it could make it hard for you to keep up with your course work.

Check out our guide to finding a part-time or temporary job

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

If you are a refugee or asylum seeker you can apply for help from a learner support fund. If you have Refugee status or have been granted Humanitarian Protection or EU Temporary Protection you can apply for EMA. If you are an asylum seeker still awaiting a positive decision you cannot get an EMA.

Last Updated: 14-Apr-2008