Fees and Financial Support Guidelines for September Starts 2011
The Government has changed its funding structure for Further Education Colleges. This has an impact on the fee charges for new and returning learners. In some cases, fee remission rules can be applied, this means you may not have to pay for your course.
The good news is that most people who are unemployed, currently seeking work and on benefits are now eligible for fee discounts and in many cases FREE courses. This is applicable to both 16-18 years and adult learners.
The full list of benefits is at the bottom of this page* .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in course fees?
There are generally three elements to course fees which must be paid:
- Tuition fees
- Equipment/materials fees
- Examination fees
What does fee remission mean?
Fee remission is a process that assesses your eligibility to be released from paying fees or parts thereof. In each case the learner needs to provide evidence that they are eligible under certain criteria e.g. in receipt of specific benefits and immigration status.
Who is eligible for fee remission?
Here are the categories for fee remission. You just have to satisfy one of these below:
1. If you are under 19 on 31 August 2011, tuition is free; exam and material costs are free; you pay for any equipment and books that you keep.
2. If you are 19 or over on 31 August 2011 and you are unemployed, currently seeking work and on benefits (this can include a partner where the claim is joint), your tuition is likely to be free. For some courses, you may pay an exam fee and materials fees.
3. For 19-24 year old learners studying their first full Level 2 or level 3 qualifications and who are unemployed, currently seeking work and on benefits, tuition is likely to be free. For some courses, you may pay an exam fee and materials fees.
4. For Level 3 jumpers of all ages (those taking a full Level 3 without having a full Level 2 qualification) who are unemployed, currently seeking work and on benefits tuition is free. For some courses, you may pay an exam fee and materials fees.
5. For those taking learning aims that are funded as Adult Basic Skills and Functional Skills in literacy and numeracy, excluding Skills for Life ESOL, tuition and exam fees are free; there are materials fee for some courses.
6. If you are 19 or over on 31 August 2011 and you are not unemployed, currently seeking work and on benefits, you will have to pay tuition fees, materials and exam fees. These payments are split into four equal instalments to help you manage your finances.
7. Full cost courses: There are some courses without any government funding, where learners pay the full cost of the course and there are no concessions.
8. Higher education courses: Different rules apply to higher Education courses (Level 4 and above). You are advised to seek advice from your University Link Advisor.
When will I find out if I am eligible for fee remission?
At enrolment you will be assessed and told immediately.
Is there any other financial support available?
The College has a Learner Support Fund. You will be directed to see advisors as appropriate during enrolment. The criteria include household/personal income and immigration status.
What paperwork do I need to show to bring to enrolment?
You need to present evidence (dated within three months) that shows you are in receipt of the relevant benefits e.g. letter from DWP and immigrations status e.g. passport and other immigration documents if born outside EU e.g. UK Border Agency letters.
My course is two years long; do I need to apply for fee remission each year?
Currently you are fee assessed every year at enrolment before your courses starts. Once again you need to present the relevant evidence.
What happens if I withdraw from my course, do I still have to pay my course fees?
You are responsible at all times for the payment of your fees. If you choose to withdraw from your course the balance of fees has to be paid.
What is a full cost course and do I have to pay fees?
There are some courses without any government funding, where learners pay the full cost of the course and there are no concessions.
Do I have to pay all fees charged at the beginning of my course?
The College recognises the financial burden of paying fees and supports learners by offering an instalment plan. The first instalment is paid at enrolment and thereafter three equal instalments during the year.
* Benefits which you may be claiming that could entitle you to free tuition at the College
* Attendance Allowance
* Bereavement Allowance
* Bereavement Payment
* Carer's Allowance (useable for part-time learners only)
* Incapacity Benefits
* Income Support
* Child Benefit
* Child Tax Credit
* Cold Weather Payments
* Constant Attendance Allowance
* Employment and Support Allowance
* Council Tax Benefit
* Disability Living Allowance
* Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance
* Graduated retirement benefit
* Guardian's Allowance
* Housing Benefit
* Industrial Injuries Benefit
* Invalidity Benefit
* Job Seekers Allowance
* Pensioner's Christmas Bonus
* Pensions payable under the Industrial disablement benefit
* Severe Disablement Allowance
* State Pension Credit
* State Pension
* War Widow's Pension
* Widow's Pension
* Widowed Parent's Allowance
* Widowed Mother's Allowance
* Winter Fuel Payment
* Working Tax Credit
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