Financial support for STC students
Worried about the cost of college?
You have probably heard that the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) will not exist next year.
However, at South Thames College we are supporting our students with our new ‘Student Benefit Package’. This fund will help eligible students with funds to pay for food, travel, books, equipment and materials or anything else you may need.
FOR NEW STUDENTS (Joining us for the first time in 2011/2012)
For students aged 16-18 years there is a bursary of up to £1200 per year for those in/leaving care or for those living independently and in receipt of income support.*
New students to the college in 2011 (age 16-18) and previously in receipt of free school meals will receive a fortnightly bursary at an amount estimated to be between £300-£600 per year *.
Further financial support for other new students may be available from the new South Thames Maintenance Allowance*.
STUDENTS WHO HAVE STUDIED WITH US IN PREVIOUS YEARS
South Thames students aged 16-18 who successfully applied for EMA in 2009/10 will receive the same amount in 2011/2012.*
South Thames students aged 16-18 who successfully applied for the maximum EMA of £30 in 2010/2011 will receive £20 per week in 2011/2012.*
Further financial support may be available from the new South Thames Maintenance Allowance*.
FOR 19+ STUDENTS
South Thames students aged over 19 who studied with us in the 2010-2011 year who received an Adult Learning Grant (ALG) will be able to claim the ALG again this year.*
In addition, the College’s Learner Support Fund is available to support students who meet the eligibility criteria with a contribution towards the cost of travel, books and equipment.
Additional financial information
Travel
As an individual who is enrolled on a full time course you would be able to apply for a 16-18 photo Oyster Card and receive free travel on buses and trams. If you are 19+ on a full time course you can apply for an 18+ Student oyster photo card and receive 30% off adult travel cards and bus and tram passes valid for 7 days.
You may be awarded money from the learner support funds towards the cost of travel to enable you to attend college
Childcare
For 16-19 year olds on a full time course free child care is available through applying to Care to Learn
The Early Years Education grant funding is available to all 3-4year olds to have up to 15 hours free childcare per week.
The college also has a Childcare Bursary which you can apply for with help towards the cost of childcare. The fund is limited so please apply early.
Course Material Costs
South Thames students may apply to our Learner Support Fund to help with course material costs including the costs of a CRB if this is required for the course you are studying. This will be dependent upon your personal circumstances.
Course Fees
There may also be funding available towards the cost of course fees (tuition, exam and any awarding body registration fees.)
Financial Hardship
A Special Fund is also available should you encounter a change in circumstances that causes financial hardship.
At South Thames College we will ensure that all our funds are used to support the students who need it most. Remember we are here to support you and to help you succeed.
* Benefits are means tested. All details are subject to finalisation after government consultation