Financial Support
For students who start their FE full-time courses aged between 16 - 18 years, there are no tuition or examination fees.
Assistance with fees
You may be entitled to a reduction of course fees if you are in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance. Documentary evidence must be provided. Please call 0800 032 1986 for further details.
16-19 Bursary Funds
If you are aged under 19 on 31st August, you may be eligible to apply for financial assistance:
- Bursary for Vulnerable Groups - a bursary of up to £1200 per college year for applicable students
- Discretionary Bursary - for students who need financial support to help them to stay in education or training to help with the cost of transport, accommodation for eligible courses, and additional course costs.
- Further Education Free Meals - students who meet the criteria for a free meal must apply to the Bursary Fund (for students 16-18) and submit evidence that they or their parent/guardian is in receipt of one or more of the benefits required.
16-19 Bursary Pack - Word Document
19+ Discretionary Bursary Funds
This fund is for students aged 19 and over and studying a Level 1 or 2 course, or aged 19 to 24 and studying their first Level 3 course as of 31st August.
The Fund can assist with the cost of:
- Childcare (if you are not eligible for Care to Learn) with a registered Childminder or Nursery
- Additional course costs such as, materials, equipment, protective clothing, field trips, exam fees
- Travel to and from college
- Accommodation for eligible courses
19+ Discretionary Bursary Pack - PDF
19+ Discretionary Bursary Pack - Word Document
Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund
This fund is aimed at helping students studying at Level 3 and above who are being funded with an Advanced Learner Loan for course fees.
Note: this fund cannot be accessed until the student has successfully been awarded an Advanced Learner Loan – details of which will be contained in a letter sent to the student from the College.
This fund can assist with the cost of:
- Childcare with a registered Childminder or Nursery
- Additional course costs such as equipment, materials, protective clothing and field trips
- Travel to and from college
- Accommodation for eligible courses
ADVANCED LEARNER LOAN BURSARY PACK PDF
ADVANCED LEARNER LOAN BURSARY PACK WORD DOCUMENT
Additional Bursary Information
All College Bursary funds (excluding the Bursary for Vulnerable Groups) are means tested, so not every application will be successful. Please see the guideline pages of the bursary pack for eligibility criteria. You can download the bursary pack from this page or contact bursaries@hlcollege.ac.uk for further information. If you would like to speak to someone please call 01432 365375.
We allocate our funds on a first come first served basis so please apply as early as possible to secure your funding. No funding will be given until you start your course and then will only be paid on the basis of satisfactory attendance, progress and behaviour.
Non-College Funds
These funds are assessed and awarded under the rules of the awarding body.
Education Maintenance Allowance (Wales)
These funds are assessed and awarded under the rules of the awarding body. Depending on your household income you may be able to get £60 a fortnight for attending college and all your lessons. You could get EMA if:
- You live in Wales
- You are aged between 16 and 18 on 31 August
- You meet the residency and nationality rules
- You attend an eligible course which involves at least 12 hours of guided learning per week
For information regarding the EMA Wales Scheme you can visit the Student Finance Wales website by following the link below -
http://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/fe/ema.aspx
The Welsh Government Leaning Grant Further Education (WGLG)
The WGLG is a payment of up to £1,500 to help with the cost of further education. Payments are made each term and are subject to attendance.
You may be eligible for if:
- You are aged 19 or over on or before the 31 August
- You live in Wales
- Your household income must be £18,370 or less in order to get this grant
- You meet the residency and nationality rules and you are studying at least 275 hours per year
For information regarding the Welsh Government learning Grant you can visit the Student Finance Wales website by following the link below -
http://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/fe/wglg-fe.aspx#
Advanced Learner Loans
Click here for information about advanced learner loans.
Online Resources
The student finance section of the 'Student Room' website has the latest news and advice for all students, including those going to university.
www.thestudentroom.co.uk/studentfinance
Students can also follow Student Finance England at www.facebook.com/SFEngland and www.twitter.com/sf_england to take part in student finance surgeries.