Discretionary Learner Support Fund (Bursary)

Students from low-income families can apply to the Discretionary Learner Support Fund for help with Travel Costs

Don’t worry and don’t let it stop you from applying as there is a ‘Discretionary Learner Support Fund’ which you can apply for which is designed to help 16, 17 and 18 year old students who struggle with the costs of full-time education or training.

Students aged 19 or over 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)

These 2 groups of students can receive a discretionary bursary while they continue to attend education (in the case of a 19+ continuer, this must be the same programme they started before they turned 19), as long as their eligibility continues and their institution considers they need the additional support to continue their participation. Students aged 19 or over are not eligible for the vulnerable student bursary.

To be eligible for the vulnerable bursary, students must be under 19 and in one of the defined vulnerable groups;

• 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

Financing Your Study – Students aged 19 and over

Discretionary Adult Learner Support Fund The 19+ bursary is awarded on a discretionary basis and due to its limited nature, meeting the criteria does not necessarily guarantee an award. The bursary fund is means tested and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be:

• 19 or over as at 31st August starting a new programme of study and be attending a full or part time course funded by the Education Skills Funding Agency
• You must be 20 or over to get help with childcare costs (If you are 19, you should apply for Care to Learn instead

You can apply for help towards:

• Emergency Accommodation and meals
• Childcare fees (qualifying learners) you must not be receiving funding for childcare costs from any other source e.g. free early education places (childcare) or Childcare Tax Credits. If you are these hours should be deducted from your claim for Bursary Childcare funding
• Course materials & equipment, books etc
• Exam costs
• Travel, such as for public transport or taxis
• Support with course fees up to 50%
• Educational Visits/Trips

Means-tested grants towards course-related costs for students meeting the eligibility criteria.

Click here for Students aged 16-19
Click here for Students aged 19+

Apply Online