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Your Options at 16+
Guide to Fees and Support
Below is a basic guide to fees and other forms of financial support. It is not definitive and there may be variations between each college. Therefore, it is essential that you confirm any entitlements with the college at which you intend to study.
Free Courses:
Helping individuals with the cost of learning
You do not pay tuition fees for most courses if you are:
- Between 16-18 years old studying a full-time course
- Between 16-18 years old studying a part-time course (unless on a Work- based Learning Programme or where your employer is responsible for fees)
- An adult aged 19 or over on certain part-time Adult Courses
- In receipt of a means-tested benefit like JSA
- (Job Seekers Allowance)
- On New Deal
- A dependant of someone who is in receipt of a means-tested benefit
Exceptions are:
- HND courses where application must be made to the LEA for assistance with tuition fees and a loan to help with your living costs. Application should be made to Kent County Council, Student Awards Group, Bishop's Terrace, Bishop's Way, MAIDSTONE ME14 1AF.
- There are a few additional courses where it is regretted that no concessions are available and the full fee is payable prior to enrolment. These are clearly marked in each college's course guides.
- Free Exam Registration - Help with the cost of your qualification: If you do not have to pay a tuition fee, most colleges will enter you for your exams FREE
- Free Childcare - Don't let childcare costs hold you back: For further education students who are on benefit or low income, childcare grants are available to cover essential childcare costs covering time-tabled hours during term-time. Funds allocated are payable directly to your childcare provider who must be registered.
Financial assistance is also available through New Deal for lone parents - see the Lone Parent Adviser at the Job Centre before applying for your course. Financial assistance for childcare costs is also available for HE students.Applicants with childcare needs should discuss them in advance with college welfare advisers. - Help with Travel Costs - Subsidised bus passes or FREE travel available:If you are aged 16 - 18, travel awards are available from your LEA or from the colleges if you are turned down. Students who are on benefit or who are dependants of people who are on benefit or low income can apply for a FREE bus pass at most of the colleges.
- Help with Equipment, Materials and Trip Costs - Don't let additional costs put you off:Grants for specified equipment, materials and essential course trips are also available from most colleges for people or dependants of people who are on low income or benefit. Again ask your local colleges for details on entitlements and availability.
