Financial Support

If you’re thinking of continuing your education at Furness College, then getting your hands on some much-needed cash is going to be high on your list of priorities.

If you think you may not be able to afford to study, there are a number of ways you may be able to get help. General advice is given here but the rules can change from year to year, so we recommend you follow the links provided to access the most up-to-date information.

The Student Services team are also able to discuss your individual circumstances and provide you with an application form.

Bursaries

Bursaries can help out if you have financial hardships or emergencies. They can help towards:

• Childcare costs (for Ofsted-registered childcare) where there is no entitlement to other government initiatives
• Travel costs
• Essential course-related equipment, books, materials, field trips and registration fees
• Examination and registration fees

Student Bursary

This is a weekly payment for students who have a low household income. To check if you are eligible for this bursary please ask at Student Services for an application form. Decisions on who will receive this bursary will be made by the end of October 2019. If you are eligible, your payments will be back dated to the start of term.

You can receive a bursary if:

• You are 16 years old and have left school, but are not 19 before 1 September 2019
• Your household income is at, or below, a set amount
• You are on a full-time further education course at Furness College

Adult Bursary

If you are aged 19 or over and have a low household income, you may be eligible for the adult bursary which is paid each week. To apply please ask Student Services for an application form.

You can apply for this adult bursary if:

• Your course will lead to your first full Level 2 or first Level 3 qualification
• You are studying full-time – at least 12 hours a week (equivalent to 450 hours of ‘guided learning’ a year, or 150 hours a term)

Advanced Learner Loans

If you are aged 19 and studying a second Level 3 or aged 24+, you can apply for a loan to help cover tuition fees

Your course must start on or after 1 August 2019 and be eligible e.g. a Level 3 or 4 course (such as an Extended Diploma or an A Level)

You will not have to pay anything back until you are earning over £25,000 a year

If you receive an Advanced Learning Loan and you are on a low income, you can receive help from the adult bursary (see above).

More information on Advanced Learner Loans may be found here.

Fee Remission

If you are over 19 on 1 September 2019 and have difficulty in paying your fees you can apply for a fee waiver or part fee waiver. This will go to a panel and each application will be judged individually.

Please ask at Student Services for the application form.

University Education

There are different financial arrangements for university education. You can obtain an application pack from March onwards each year for entry to a course in the following September.

Please contact Student Services to find out more on 01229 825017 or email info@furness.ac.uk

Benefits

If you are receiving benefits, you may be able to continue claiming while you study but you should check, prior to starting your learning, with your local Citizens Advice Centre.

Please note: Every care has been taken to ensure that this information is accurate. As much notice as possible will be given of any changes, but the College cannot accept liability in conjunction with any such alterations