FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR FULL-TIME FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES, TUITION FEES, REGISTRATION FEES AND OTHER EXPENSES
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Assistance is available to help keep your studies worry free from financial matters. A number of funds can help you pay for travel, books, childcare or living expenses.
If you experience financial hardship during your course or, if you or your household is on a low income, then you may be eligible for financial support. The following information provides an overview of possible funding. For more detailed information and advice, please contact the Student Finance office.
Telephone: 0845 600 7555 Email: studentfinance@serc.ac.uk
HIGHER EDUCATION FINANCIAL SUPPORT
If your intended course is at HNC/D or Degree level, then you should apply to your local Education and Library Board or download the application from www.studentfinanceni.co.uk . Support could include a tuition fee loan, maintenance loan, maintenance grant and other grants for those students with dependants or special circumstances.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Students not normally resident in the EU and settled in Northern Ireland should contact the Student Funding team in the First Instance.
Telephone: 0845 600 7555 Email: studentfinance@serc.ac.uk
The following information applies to students normally resident in Northern Ireland – contact Student Finance for any queries with regard to residency.
FEES EXEMPTION
If you are aged under 19 years on 1 July 2009 then all full-time further education courses are free (unless it is an examination resist).
If you are aged over 19 years on 1 July 2009 then your fees payable will be means tested and you will have to apply for an FE Award (as detailed below)
Skills for Work/Pre-Apprenticeships/Apprenticeship courses are free to all learners regardless of age.
Personal eligibility - evidence of your birth date should be provided, e.g. your Driver’s Licence, passport, or a copy of your birth certificate at enrolment.
- Course eligibility - must be a minimum of 18 hours per week and one of the following programmes of study: -
- First Certificate/Diploma, National Certificate/Diploma, Applied AS/A2, NVQ Level 2/3 not being funded via training scheme, e.g. New Deal
- Other vocational courses at level 2 and 3
- University Access courses
- GCSE/A Level with a BTEC qualification
- This fees exemption excludes students
- Aged 19 or over on 1 July 2009 and on GCE Advanced AS/A2 level courses (unless Applied)
- Aged 18 or over on 1 August 2009 and on the following courses at NVQ Level 4: -
- Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design)
- Management with Administration
PAYMENTS FROM EMPLOYERS
If you join a Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship you will be paid by your employer at a salary negotiated by yourself. The College has no responsibility for these payments.
ASSISTANCE WITH FEES AND OTHER COSTS
If you do not qualify for the fee exemptions above and you are required to pay fees and/or need help with other costs, then you should apply for a
Further Education (FE) Award: - if your intended course is GCE AS/A2 without a vocational element (i.e. not ‘Applied’ and not linked to a BTEC or other vocational qualification), then you are not eligible for this Award.
Applications are available from;
Student Finance Northern Ireland,
Further Education Awards Section,
Western Education and Library Board,
1 Hospital Road Omagh, BT79 OAW.
Telephone: 028 82254546 Website: www.welbni.org.uk
NB: The closing date for full-time applications is 30 June 2009, but contact Studentfinanceni for advice on late applications.
You should apply for an FE Award even if you have not received a firm offer for a programme of study.
SOUTH EASTERN REGIONAL COLLEGE SUPPORT FUNDS
Student Support Funds are available to all students aged over 19 years on 1st July 2009 or those attaining the age of 19 during the academic year. These funds assist students experiencing financial hardship, including those whose circumstances may change during the year due to job loss. You may be eligible for assistance with course fees and other costs, e.g. travel, course materials/books, living/childcare costs.
NB: Before applying to SERC Support Funds, students must seek other sources of funding, e.g. FE Awards and HE Grants. Applications for SERC Support Funds are available from Customer Services at any SERC Campus, or on request from the Student Finance Office.
OTHER FUNDING
Applications for the following should be available from the College's Customer Service and Student Finance Offices.
EDUCATIONAL MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE (EMA)
EMA may provide financial support for 16-19 year olds who are continuing with their education at South Eastern Regional Campus campuses. It is a means-tested weekly allowance, paid fortnightly, according to the student’s attendance and progression. Applications can be made by students who have turned 16, 17, 18 or 19 on or between 2 July 2009 and the 1 July 2010. Application packs should be available from College campuses at the beginning of April 2009.
TRAINING FOR SUCCESS (EMA)
Students on a Skills for Work course or Level 2 Pre-Apprenticeship Training for Success course will be paid £40 per week by the College.
TRAINING FOR SUCCESS subsidised travel
This is not means-tested but is based on a threshold. You must be on a Skills for Work course or Level 2 Pre-Apprenticeship.
Complete a travel form at your induction session.
TRAINING FOR SUCCESS trainee bonus
You must be on a Skills for Work course or Level 2 Pre-Apprenticeship to be eligible to receive a £200 bonus – paid as you progress through your course.
CARE TO LEARN
If you are the main carer for a child then you may be entitled to help with childcare costs. Eligibility includes
· Being or becoming a parent.
· Being aged 16 or over but under 20 at the start of the course, or attaining the age of 20 during the course.
· A student who is expecting to become a parent during their course of study may apply in advance to establish eligibility for assistance.
TRAVEL PASS
If you are under 19 years of age on 1st July of the year in which your course begins, and if you live more than three miles from the College you are attending, you may be eligible for a Travel Pass.
SCHOOL MEALS
If your parents are in receipt of certain benefits and you are 18 and under on 31 July 2009 you may be eligible to apply for a School Meals Grant.
Contact your local Education and Library Board for further details.
FUNDING ADVICE
Check with the Student Finance Office for information and advice, including details of other bursaries and grants, e.g. the Army Bursary Scheme.
NB: You should inform your social benefit provider of any funding by SERC or any other body as this could affect your level of entitlement.
DISCLAIMER
The information in this section is correct at the time of preparation. For up-to-date information and further details, please contact the Student Finance Offices in the Bangor, Downpatrick or Lisburn campuses.
Telephone: 0845 600 7555 Email: funding@serc.ac.uk