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Bursary

the information and guidance below Please carefully read before applying as applications will be assessed based on eligibility and need.
Apply for Bursary

Bursary, Free Meals and Childcare Support

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, childcare, etc.

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

  • 16 to 19 Bursary (including free college meals)
  • 19+ Adult Bursary
  • Advanced Learner Loan Bursary
  • 20+ Childcare

Application

Submit your application including the supporting documents requested on the application form. The process is fairly straightforward 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 you will receive updates and notifications sent to your college email address.

Further information and guidance

Please carefully read the information and guidance below before applying as applications will be assessed based on eligibility and need.

Students in the following categories are not eligible for support:

  • Income above £26,000 gross per year
  • Higher Education students
  • Fee paying overseas students
  • Students on apprenticeship programmes or any waged training are employed rather than in education.

16 to 19 Bursary (including free college meals)

Students must be aged 16 or over but under 19 on 31 August 2023 to be eligible for help from the bursary fund in 2023 to 2024 academic year.  Students aged 19 on 31 August are only eligible to receive a discretionary bursary if they are continuing onto year 2 of 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 Bursary and Vulnerable Bursary

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

Proof of income must be dated within 3 months of application.		Students who have a household income of less than £26,000 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
  • Child / Working Tax Credit with an annual gross income of £26,000 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

  • Payments

    The amount awarded is based on assessment of the students course related need, the timing of the application and available funds may also affect the award. 

    Payments will be withheld for students with attendance below 75%.  Tutors may appeal for payments on behalf of students. A Payment Schedule will be sent via student email once an application is approved. All payments will be made via bank transfer only.

  • Free College Meals

    Students eligible for the 16-19 bursary will automatically have a daily amount of £3.50 on their college ID cards. This will buy a nutritious meal deal. You simply touch your student ID card at the college food counters.  If you do not want free meals, please see a Bursary Assistant at your campus to opt out.

  • Support with Travel, Compulsory Equipment/Kit/Uniform/Trips

    Students may be eligible to receive a financial contribution towards travel depending on how far they live from their college campus.  Support for equipment, kit, uniform and trips will only be provided if it is a compulsory part of a course.  We may reimburse students if they have paid in advance or we may transfer the funds to the curriculum area to purchase on behalf of eligible students.

  • Deadline

    You are strongly advised to apply as soon as you start your course.  Late applications will be assessed on a first come first served basis subject to the availability of funds. Payments will not be backdated for late applicants, for example, we cannot backdate the first half term payment if an application is made in the second half term.

19+ Adult Bursary

The Adult Bursary is for students who will be aged 19 or over on 31 August 2023. The fund is there to support students with travel, compulsory kits, uniforms, materials, trips and childcare.

Eligibility

Students must be aged 19 or over on 31 August 2023.  Students must have an income of less than £26,000 gross per year or in receipt of a means tested benefit such as one of the following. Proof of income must be dated within 3 months of application.

  • 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
  • Child / Working Credits with an annual gross income of £26,000 or less
  • Universal Credit

 

Support with Travel, Compulsory Equipment/Kit/Uniform/Trips

Support for equipment, kit, uniform and trips will only be provided if it is a compulsory part of a course.  We may reimburse students if they have paid in advance or we may transfer the funds to the curriculum area to purchase on behalf of eligible students.  Students may be eligible to receive a contribution towards travel based on how far you live from your college campus.

Payments

Payment will be made in one instalment in January. Late applicants will be notified of payment date subject to availability of funds. Payments will be withheld for students with attendance below 75%.  Tutors may appeal for payments on behalf of students.  Payment schedule will be sent via email once an application is approved.  All payments will be made via bank transfer only.

Advanced Learner Loan Bursary

You can apply for a bursary as long as your loan has been approved and you meet the eligibility criteria set out above under 19+ Adult Bursary.  In addition, evidence of your loan approval will need to be uploaded on your application.

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 in January. 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 £26,000 per year you may qualify for support towards childcare whilst you study. The College will contribute or make full payment of up to £195 per week term time only towards the cost of private OFSTED registered childcare, subject to eligibility and availability of funds. Payment is made direct to the childcare provider.

On-campus childcare facilities

New City College Nursery is based at the Hackney campus. Please call 020 7510 7565 for more information on admission.

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