John Wheatley College Easterhouse Glasgow Scotland UK -

Is the Cost Holding You Back?

In today’s world, our money never stretches far enough and there’s always something needing our cash. Attending College doesn’t have to be like that as there is a lot of financial support to help you with studies whether you are just leaving school, a lone parent, an adult returning to education or a senior learner, keeping yourself active and up-to-date.

There are various ways you can fund your programme of learning, either directly through a College bursary or from another source of funding such as through an Individual Learning Account (ILA) or the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).

For those coming on to a full-time non-advanced programme, the College bursary fund may be able to support you with an allowance, which will help you cover living expenses, travel costs and study materials. The amount of this support depends on your own financial circumstances and other household income. The College also has a Childcare Fund, which may be able to provide help with formal childcare costs, including after-school care. The Childcare Fund is available to full-time and part-time, non-advanced students and is awarded on a first come-first served basis.

School leavers (16-17yrs) coming on to a full-time programme can apply for an Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) during their time at College. There are 3 different weekly rates for EMA which are determined by your household’s income.

For learners coming on to a full-time HNC programme, you would apply to SAAS for financial support which may consist of tuition fees, student loan and, depending on your circumstances, other supplementary grants. Generally, an application should be made to SAAS before you start your programme.

For those of you who are claiming from the benefits system, the College would normally recommend that a part-time programme of study would be most appropriate (with one or two exceptions to this). You can attend for up to 16 hours per week and coming to College will not affect your benefits. You would also be entitled to have your tuition fees waived.

The College has a Discretionary Fund and more information on this is available from our Advice Team.

The following examples show how it is possible to attend College, joining at different levels, no matter what your situation or circumstances.

“I was eligible for an EMA at school. Would this continue if I left school and attended College on a full-time basis? Is there any other financial help available as my parents receive benefits?”

The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) provides the living allowance for learners aged 16-17 years. The maximum allowance is £30 per week and depends on household income and 100% attendance each week. The EMA can continue from school, with travel expenses and programme costs being met by applying for a College bursary. Parents and legal guardians can apply for Child Benefit allowance while a young person attends College on a full time non-advanced programme.

Travel expenses and programme costs will normally be met by applying for a College Bursary. Parents and legal guardians should still be entitled to Child Benefit while a young person attends College on a full-time non-advanced programme.

“At present I am in employment but would like to change career. This would involve gaining new qualifications. Financially, I am not sure that we could afford this as my partner earns a reasonable salary and my children attend nursery. In addition we receive tax credits. Am I right in assuming I would not be eligible for a bursary? What other financial help is available?”

The National Qualification programmes are funded by applying for the College bursary, which will pay for the cost of the programme, books, and specialist clothing and equipment and travel expenses. In addition there is a living allowance. All allowances are dependent upon your circumstances. This may include your age, whether you live at home or have been supporting yourself financially for a number of years or if you are living with a partner. The College can assist with childcare costs including after school care, provided you are using an established childcare provider or registered childminder.

“I would like to return to College but as a lone parent, I cannot afford to give up my benefits. Is it possible to attend College, even as a part-time student and still retain any benefits?”

“Also I would need help with childcare, as I have no one to look after my children, aged 3 and 8 years. Is College an option for me?”

Lone parents have the option of studying on a full or part time basis without it affecting any benefits they receive. The cost of the programme including books, specialist clothing, and equipment and travel expenses is met by applying for a College bursary.

Lone parents who do not receive benefits may also apply for the bursary living allowance and in addition may choose to work on a part time basis while still in receipt of tax credits.

The College can assist with childcare costs including after-school care, provided you are using an established provider of childcare or a registered childminder. In addition learners may choose to work on a part time basis while still in receipt of tax credits.

Unfortunately, the College cannot assist with childcare payments to relatives or friends.

“I have heard that you can go to College and stay on the benefit system. Is this true? What do courses cost and do you need a lot of books?”

If you do not wish to give up your benefits package you can attend College on a part-time basis –up to 16 hours each week and in certain circumstances you can attend as a full-time student (see above). As a part-time student your programme will be funded through the College fee waiver policy and you may apply for travel expenses through a part-time bursary. Travel expenses are paid in arrears so learners may need to pay travel costs for the first weeks of the programme themselves. Textbooks are available from the College libraries.

“Having just finished my National Qualification in Computing, I would like to apply for a HNC. What would be the difference in funding as I was awarded a College bursary this year and still kept some of my benefits?”

“Also I had my childcare paid by the College but will this continue, as this is a big expense?”

Learners applying on a full-time basis or progressing on to Higher Education- Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND) and degree programmes – must apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for funding to pay the cost of the programme. A student loan (paid in monthly instalments) also provides a maintenance allowance and is repaid at a very low rate once learners begin employment and are earning £15,000 per year. The amount of loan learners receive depends on their individual circumstances and household income.

In addition to the loan, learners can apply to SAAS for travel expenses and other supplementary grants including, where applicable, Lone Parent’s grant, Childcare grant and Dependant’s grant (adult dependants). Those eligible may apply for the Young Students Bursary, which replaces part of the Student Loan. In addition learners may choose to work on a part-time basis while still in receipt of tax credits. Learners wishing to retain their benefits package can attend Higher Education programmes on a part-time basis. (up to 16 hours per week)

“I have just moved to Glasgow and although I was employed in my own country, I now need new qualifications. How would I enrol at your College?”

Asylum Seekers can study at College on a part-time basis. The College may provide help with travel expenses and childcare costs through the Discretionary Fund. Students who are refugees or have been granted leave to remain can attend College on a full or part-time basis and are eligible to apply for fees and student support in Higher Education or a fee waiver and bursary support in Further Education. Full-time students who are classed as European Union residents/migrant workers (or child/spouse of a migrant worker) are eligible to apply for a College bursary to cover fees and allowances. Part-time students who are classed as EU residents/migrant workers (or child/spouse of a migrant worker) may be eligible to have their fees waived.

“I have a disability and have heard there is a grant I can apply for to help me with my chosen course. Can you give me more information?”

Learners applying for Higher Education courses (HNC, HND, degree programmes) can apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). This allowance is to provide additional assistance and is not based on their income or benefits package. It may be used to buy specialist equipment, other support, or to claim for certain extra expenses which are incurred by attending the course.

“I have applied for an Individual Learning Account. Can I use it at John Wheatley College and what would I be able to study?”

The Individual Learning Account (ILA) can be used at John Wheatley College to pay for the European Computer Driving Licence only. However, you should check that you do not qualify for the College’s fee waiver policy before using funds from your ILA. For other programmes available to learners with ILAs please contact Learndirect on 0808 100 1090, quoting reference ILAGP or visit www.ilascotland.org.uk

Michael Buchanan, the College Bursary Officer is available to assist you with helpful advice regarding funding for attending College. You can contact Michael through the College Advice Team on 0141-778-2426 or by email on advice@jwheatley.ac.uk if you require more detailed expert financial help on an individual basis. All enquiries are treated confidentially.