FULL-TIME FINANCIAL SUPPORT
A number of funds exist that can provide some assistance with the costs of travel, books, childcare or living expenses while you are studying.
You should apply for financial assistance as soon as possible, it is not necessary to wait until you are enrolled as some sources of funding will have closed by this time.
If you would like further information or advice please contact our Student Funding Team on the contact details below. Please read our
Terms and Conditions for more information on how we set our fees.
Fees
Further Education (FE) Courses
If you are aged under 19 years on 1 July 2013 then all full-time FE courses are FREE (however you will need to pay for any examination resits).
If you are aged 19 or over on 1 July 2013 there are no tuition fees for vocational (applied) FE courses at Level 3 or below. You may also be eligible to apply for a means tested FE Award (see table below).
If you are aged 19 or over on 1 July 2013 and studying on a non-applied AS/A2 level course you will be liable for fees which cannot be supported by FE Awards.
Higher Education (HE) Courses
Fees are applicable for all HE courses. The rate of fees that you pay will depend upon where you live. Northern Ireland domiciled students can apply for a loan for tuition fees, a maintenance loan for living costs and a non-repayable maintenance grant (for lower income households).
Students from England, Scotland and Wales will pay a higher rate of tuition fees and should contact the agencies below for further information on the support available:
The Higher Education Fees Schedule for 2013/2014 can be found
here, please contact SERC for more information.
Training for Success
Skills for Your Life/Skills for Work - these courses are free to all learners regardless of age.
Payment from Employers
If you join a Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship you will be paid by your employer at a salary negotiated by yourself. We have no responsibility for these payments.
International Students
If you have lived outside the EU/ EEA for the last three years, it is likely that you will need to pay higher fees. If you are unsure about your status, or your entitlement to 'Home Fees', you may contact the International Office on
international@serc.ac.uk where a fee assessment can be conducted.
Contact Us
For more information or to request any of the application forms discussed here contact
Student Funding team
P: 0845 600 7555
Funds are shown in the table below
|
Fund
|
What Is It?
|
What Do You Need?
|
How Do I Apply?
|
|
Student Finance NI Higher Education Support (PN1 Form)
|
Assistance for HE students with tuition fee costs in the form of a tuition fee loan, and maintenance costs through a maintenance loan and non-repayable maintenance grant (maintenance grant is dependent on household income).
|
No age requirements. Students should be studying on a Full-time Higher Education course e.g. Higher National Diploma or degree course.
|
PN1 forms are available from the college or downloaded from www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
Applications should be submitted by mid May 2013 to ensure financial assistance is approved prior to the start date of your course. Late applications will be accepted.
Students should apply even if they have not received confirmation that they have been accepted onto the course.
|
Further Education (FE) Award |
Assistance with maintenance costs, including childcare, while studying on an FE course. If your intended course is GCE AS/A2 without a vocational (applied) element then you are not eligible for this award). |
Aged 19 or over on 1st July 2013. Student should be studying on a Full-time Vocational FE course e.g. Extended Diploma. |
Applications should be submitted by start of June 2013 to ensure that you will receive your first payment at the start of Term 1. Closing date for applications is end of August 2013.
Students should apply even if they have not received confirmation that they have been accepted onto the course. |
Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) |
Means-tested fortnightly payment to help with the costs of continuing in education for students studying on a Full-time Further Education course e.g. NVQ’s, BTEC, A-Level. Students will receive up to £30* per week, paid fortnightly. *NB EMA is currently under review |
Age between 16 to 19 years of age. Student should be studying on a Full-time FE course. |
Application packs are available from the College or can be downloaded from www.emani.gov.uk
Completed applications should be returned to EMA by 30 September 2013 to ensure entitlement to payments from the start of the academic year. Late applications will be accepted until 31 March 2014.
|
Free Meals |
Meal tickets that can be exchanged for food and drink in the College canteen. |
Age 18 or under on 31 July 2013. Parental income is means tested. |
Application forms are available from the College or local Education and Library Board. |
Care to Learn |
If you are a main carer for a child, then you may be entitled to assistance with childcare costs. |
If you are, or will become a parent and are aged between 16 and 19 at the start of the course. |
Application packs available from the College. |
Travel Pass |
This pass enables students to travel to and from the College without charge. Students may also be eligible for fuel assistance if travelling by car. |
Under age 19 on 1 July 2013, on a Full-time Further Education course of study and live more than 3 miles from the closest College campus. |
Application pack available from the College or local Education & Library Board (ELB). |
SERC Hardship Fund |
Financial assistance for students experiencing exceptional financial hardship. |
Age 18 or over on 1 July 2013 and suffering from financial hardship. Assistance from the Hardship Fund is means tested and can only be provided once all other sources of funding have been explored. |
Application pack is available from the College. Students can only apply once they have commenced their course of study. Submission clinics will be set up for students to submit their application and supporting evidence. |
Training for Success (EMA)
Training for Success Trainee Bonus
Training for Success Subsidised Travel
Army Bursary |
You will be paid £40 per week by SERC.
£200 paid as you progress through your course.
All travel is paid except for the first £3 per week.
Bursary of up to £4,000. |
To be on a Skills for Work course or Level 2 Skills for Work Training for Success course. Timesheets need to be handed in weekly.
To be on a Skills for Work Level 1 or Level 2 Skills for Work Apprenticeship.
This is not means-tested. You must be on a Skills for Your Life, Skills for Work or a Level 2 Skills for Work Apprenticeship.
You need to be interested in joining the Army. Selected courses only. |
Training Organisation staff will process your payments when you join.
Payment is made when you become a student.
Complete a travel form at the enrolment day in August.
Contact our Careers Team for more information on 0845 600 7555. |
