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Bursary

New City College is committed to ensuring our students are fully supported in their studies. We will carry out a financial assessment for all applicants to establish their needs.

We understand that being a student in financial hardship can be a huge hurdle to overcome. Funds are available to assist students with the costs associated with attending college such as essential kits, uniforms, materials, and childcare, etc.

You may be eligible to access financial support through the following funds during the academic year:

  • 16 to 19 Bursary
  • 19+ Adult Bursar
  • Advanced Learner Loan Bursary
  • 20+ Childcare

16 to 19 Bursary

Students must be aged 16 or over but under 19 on 31 August 2021 to be eligible for help from the bursary fund in the 2021 to 2022 academic year. Students aged 19 on 31st August are only eligible to receive a discretionary bursary if they are continuing on a study programme they began aged 16 to 18 (‘19+ continuers’) or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) up to the age of 24.

The two types of Bursaries are Discretionary and Vulnerable:

Discretionary BursaryVulnerable Bursary
Age16-18 or 19-24 with EHCP16-18
Eligibility & Evidence

Proof of income must be dated within 3 months of application.		Students who have a parental income of less than £21,000 per year or in receipt of a means tested benefit such as:

-Income Support
-Jobseekers Allowance
-Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
-Support under part IV of the -Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
-Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
-Working Tax Credit with an annual gross income of £21,000 or less
-Universal Credit		Students who are:

-In care
-Care leavers
-Receiving Income Support, or Universal Credit because they are financially supporting themselves or financially supporting themselves and someone who is dependent on them and living with them such as a child or partner
-Receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in their own right as well as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in their own right
How much will you receive and when?The amount awarded is dependent on assessment of need and available funds. Payments will be made in 5 half-termly instalments.TOTAL: Up to £1200 per year which will be paid in 5 half termly instalments. This is dependent on assessment of need.

  • Free College Meals

    Eligible bursary students will also receive a daily amount of £3 towards meals which will be automatically activated on their student ID cards which can be used for payment.

  • Support for Essential Equipment/Kit/Uniform

    If your course requires you to purchase kit/uniform or equipment, and your family is on a low income, you can apply for support towards these costs. If you qualify, the curriculum area may order these for you, or we may reimburse you if you have purchased the items in advance.

  • Payments & Deadline

    The award amount will depend on the timing of your application and subject to you obtaining an attendance of 90% or above for full payment. Where attendance is between 75% and 89% you will only receive 50% of the bursary. Payments will be withheld for attendance lower than 75%. You can ONLY submit an appeal through your tutor/progress coach if you can EVIDENCE an exceptional reason for why you should receive a payment. All payments will be made via bank transfer into the student’s own bank account.

    You are strongly advised to apply online by 17 September 2021. Late applications will be assessed on a first come first served basis subject to availability of funds. Payments will not be backdated for late applicants

19+ Adult Bursary

The Adult Bursary is for students who will be aged 19 or over on 31 August 2021. The fund is there to support learners with maintenance, materials, stationary including books, additional academic support, and other educational costs.

Eligibility

Age19 or over on 31st August
Eligibility & Evidence

Proof of income must be dated within 3 months of application.		Students who have an income of less than £21,000 per year or in receipt of a means tested benefit such as:


-Income Support
-Jobseekers Allowance
-Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
-Support under part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
-Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
-Working Tax Credit with an annual gross income of £21,000 or less
-Universal Credit
How much will you receive and when?-Studying 4-7.9 hours a week = £100 (Estimated)
-Studying 8-11.9 hours a week = £150 (Estimated)
-Studying 12+ hours a week = £200 (Estimated)

Learners on high cost courses who have paid tuition fees may receive a higher bursary payment.

If your course requires you to purchase kit/uniform or equipment, and you are on low income, you can apply for support towards these costs. If you qualify, the curriculum area may order these for you or we may reimburse you if you have purchased the items in advance.

Payment will be made in one instalment in December. Late applicants will be notified of payment date subject to availability of funds.

The award amount will depend on the timing of your application and subject to you obtaining an attendance of 90% or above for full payment. Where attendance is between 75% and 89% you will only receive 50% of the bursary. Payments will be withheld for attendance lower than 75%. You can ONLY submit an appeal through your tutor/progress coach if you can EVIDENCE an exceptional reason for why you should receive a payment. All payments will be made via bank transfer only.

Advanced Learner Loan Students

You can apply for a bursary as long as your loan has been approved and you meet the eligibility criteria above.  Evidence of your loan status will also be required. You may be eligible for a payment of up to £375 for the academic year which will be split into 3 equal installments. You may also be eligible for childcare support.

 

  • Deadline

    There are no deadlines but you are strongly advised to apply online as soon as you start your course as applications received by the end of November are usually processed before the Christmas break.  Applications submitted after November will be assessed on a first come first served basis subject to availability of funds.

  • 20+ Childcare

    If you are a parent who is aged 20+ and your income is less than £21,000 per year you may qualify for support towards childcare whilst you study.

  • Off-Site Childcare

    The College will contribute or make a full payment of up to £175 per week term time only towards the cost of private OFSTED registered childcare, subject to eligibility and availability of funds.

  • On campus childcare facilities

    Arbour Square, Hackney, and Ardleigh Green have on-site nurseries.

  • Supporting Evidence

    Learners must complete an online application form and attach the supporting evidence mentioned in the table below.

Childcare Provider Supporting Evidence
Ofsted registered private nursery/after school club Proof of income
Child’s full birth certificate
Invoice or letter confirming start date, weekly cost and bank details
Ofsted Registered Childminder Proof of income
Child’s full birth certificate
Childminders Insurance copy
Childminders registration copy
Invoice or letter confirming start date, weekly cost and bank details

Payments

Childcare payments will depend on a minimum of 90% attendance and will be processed at the end of each month starting from October. Deposits and registration fees are NOT paid for. You will be sent a letter to confirm the payment schedule once your application has been approved.

Care to Learn for younger parents

If you are a young parent aged 19 or under when you start your course, Care to Learn may be able to help pay for your childcare.

visit. Care to learn.

Contact your borough Family Information Service if you need help with finding a local childcare provider.

For further advice, please see the bursary advisor at the campus you attend during specified opening times.

How to apply for financial support

To make an application for bursary and childcare, students must apply online using the following link:

You must register first and then submit your application including supporting documents requested on the application form. The process is fairly straightforward forward but if you are not confident in using the online feature, you may wish to ask a family member or a friend to support you. Bursary staff will also be available at the main campuses’ if you need further advice. Once you have submitted your application will receive updates and notifications sent to your email address.

Click here to view the video on how to apply.

Click here to view the user guide on how to apply.

Common examples of supporting evidence:

Click here to see an example of a Universal Credit statement

Click here to see an example of Tax Credits Awards notice

Click here to see an example of P60/Payslip

  • 16+ Zip Oyster Card

    Children aged 16 and 17 can get a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard.

    Adults who live in a London borough who were 18 on 31st August and in full-time education, can apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard to get free travel on buses and trams.

    The 16+ Zip Oyster will give 50% off adult pay as you go fares on bus, Tube, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail, and most National Rail services in London.

    If you live in London, you will get free travel on buses and trams and child rate 7 Day, monthly or longer Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes

  • How to apply

    A parent or guardian must apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard if their child is under 18. If you’re 18, you must apply for your 16+ Zip Oyster photocard and create your own photocard web account. The cost is £20 payable to TFL.

    Apply online at TFL