Bursary Applications live between 15 - 29 November 2024
If you're under the age of 19 (on 31 August of the academic year your course starts) and you meet the eligibility criteria, your course is FREE. You may be required to pay a resource fee and educational visit costs; however financial support is available for those who need it (subject to family income level).
If you are aged 19 or over (on 31 August of the academic year your course starts) you are no longer automatically entitled to free education. However, you may be eligible for a partial or full tuition fee waiver (see below).
For further information, please get in touch with our Bursary Department at studentbursary@osc.ac.uk or by calling 01737 788486.
Tuition Fees
All tuition fees are payable annually. Fees quoted will be for the current academic year. Further fees will be payable in subsequent years for courses of more than 1 year duration.
Material Fees
Material fees may be applicable for some courses; these fees are payable annually. Certain courses may require you to buy protective clothing, footwear and/or tools.
Tuition Fee Waivers
Level 2 Courses and below:
- If you are aged 19-23 on 31 August 2024 and you are undertaking your first full Level 2 qualification
- If you are in receipt of a means-tested benefit and are receiving a low income, or are unemployed
- If you are working and your income is less than £25,000, or £25,642 if you are resident within the Greater London Authority Area
Level 3 and 4 Courses:
- If you are aged 19-23 on 31 August 2024 and you are undertaking your first full Level 3 qualification
- If you are aged 19 or over, you do not have a full Level 3 qualification, and the course you are enrolling on is on the National Skills Fund list
- If you are aged 19 or over, the course you are enrolling on is on the National Skills Fund list, and you meet one of the following criteria
- If you are in receipt of a means-tested benefit and are receiving a low income, or are unemployed
- If you are working and your income is less than £25,000, or £25,642 if you are resident within the Greater London Authority Area
- Apply for an Advanced Learner Loan
Payment Methods
When do I have to pay the fees?
All fees are payable at the time of enrolment. For courses costing £400 or more, it may be possible to pay the fees by instalment; with the first installment due at the time of enrolment. Instalment Agreements are available on request with at least 25% of the fee being due at enrolment.
In exceptional circumstances for example financial hardship, please speak to a member of the Finance team who will discuss with you possible alternative options.
How can I pay?
Payments can be made in cash, cheque (payable to East Surrey College) or credit/debit cards.
Fee Remission
If you are receiving certain means tested benefits you may be eligible for remission of tuition fees. Proof of benefit will need to be supplied at enrolment.
Employer/Sponsor Undertaking Form
Please download and complete the Employer Undertaking Form if your Employer/Sponsor has agreed to pay your tuition fees and/or examinations/registration fees.
The College operates a strict no refund policy. However, fees will be refunded in full if the College finds it necessary to cancel your course.
Financial Assistance
Student Bursary Fund
East Surrey College receives money from the Education and Skills Funding Agency to provide a bursary scheme to help support those with a total household income of £36,000 or below. Bursary funds provide financial support to overcome specific barriers to participation so you can remain in or return to education. The scheme can provide contributions towards your costs such as transport, lunches, essential kits or equipment, resource and material fees, educational visits and childcare for the days you attend college. Any support you receive will be subject to the conditions outlined in our bursary form.
The bursary scheme is divided into two funds:
1. A 16-19 Discretionary Bursary for those who have a total household income of £36,000 or below and are:
- aged 16 or over but under 19 at 31 August 2024
- or are aged 19 or over at 31 August 2024 and have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- or are aged 19 or over at 31 August 2024 and continuing on a study programme which you began aged 16 to 18
2. Further Education Free Meals are available to those who meet the age criteria for a 16-19 Discretionary Bursary and meet or have a parent/guardian that is in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Income support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit run-on
- Universal Credit
You can apply for a 16-19 Vulnerable Bursary if you are:
- in care or a care leaver
- in receipt of Income Support/Universal Credit in your own right
- in receipt of Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payments and Employment and Support Allowance/Universal Credit in your own right
East Surrey College provides a Discretionary Bursary to help you if you are aged 19 or over at the start of your course. Eligibility is based on household income for the following:
Childcare – Nursery Support for only 1 child if income is £26,000 or below.
General Support – on a sliding scale:
Income £26,000 or below:
- Support with travel costs
- Support with Kit and Uniform if applicable to course
Income £26,001 – £29,000:
- 75% of support with Travel costs
- 75% of support with Kit and Uniform if applicable to course
Income £29,001 – £36,000
- 50% of support with Travel costs
- 50% of support with Kit and Uniform if applicable to course
If you are living independently, we will assess your income and if you are living with your parents, your application will also be assessed on their income.
Please note that if you are aged 19 or over and are in receipt of an Advanced Learner Loan then you are not eligible to apply for this bursary funding. However, if this applies you may be eligible to apply for support from the Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund.
If you’re looking to improve your career prospects; and training costs have always been the barrier, then for courses starting after 1 August 2024 you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.
If you are aged 19 or over you are now able to take out an Advanced Learner Loan to enable you to study on a course and pay no upfront tuition costs. It will fund your college course at Level 3 and above, including Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships. Loan eligibility doesn’t depend on your income and there are no credit checks.
Repayments - You’ll have to pay your loan back when both the following apply:
- you’ve finished your course
- you earn over the Government threshold
All applications are via the Gov.uk website – apply now.
An Advanced Learner Loan Bursary for students with an approved Advanced Learner Loan and a total household income of £36,000 or below. To be eligible for support from this fund, you must be enrolled on to a Level 3 or 4 course and have an Advanced Learner Loan agreed by the Student Loans Company for your tuition fees.
For more information and financial advice, you can contact our Student Bursary Adviser on 01737 788486 or email studentbursary@osc.ac.uk.
Course Viability
The College runs courses in a cost effective manner, and this will normally be determined by the number of students enrolled on a course. If at the start of the course the numbers are too low to make the course viable, the College reserves the right to cancel.
International Students
The Government has introduced new legislation limiting the number of international students able to study in the UK. For further details see www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk. At present time, we are not taking any applications from students who are currently residing overseas but will review this decision on a regular basis.
Address: East Surrey College, Gatton Point, London Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 2JX
Main Switchboard: 01737 772611 / Client Services: 01737 788444 / Email: clientservices@esc.ac.uk
