If you’re considering studying at Waltham Forest College, you may be thinking about your finances and Waltham Forest College is committed to ensuring you get the best possible support for your studies and understand that finances can be one of the biggest obstacles to overcome in order to reach your potential. The College has schemes in place to support you with the cost of learning based around your personal circumstances.
PayMyStudent Portal
We pride ourselves on giving students the best financial support. From a free breakfast to the best travel deal, you can be confident that you are joining a college that cares about your individual financial needs.
Guidelines for 16-18
There are two types of bursaries available to help students aged 16-18 to overcome specific barriers to participation so they remain in education:
The Vulnerable Bursary of up to £1200 - these are additional funds for students in the following defined groups:
- In Care
- Care Leaver
- In receipt of Income Support
- In receipt of both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
For eligible students with a combined household income of less than £25,000. The government gives the college limited funds to help those in most financial need with the cost of study. This can include travel costs, essential equipment, uniform, books and trips.
Students aged 19 or over may still receive and qualify for discretionary bursary. For more information please read guidelines.
Students under 18 and living in a London Borough can apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster photo card. This gives free bus and discounted travel on the tube, DLR and overground. Students aged 18 on 31 August 2022 who are still in full time education can also apply. Non-London residents may qualify to receive half rate adult fares. Application forms are only available online via the Transport for London website.
A student is eligible to receive a free college meal when they, or a parent/guardian are receipt of certain income based benefits.
If you’re under 20 years old and have children, Care to Learn can help you with childcare costs while you study. You could receive up to £175 per week for each child.
For further information contact Care to Learn helpline direct at 0800 121 8989.
Guidelines for 19+
Students aged 19 or over can apply for a means-tested grant.
The Discretionary Learner Support Fund assists students who have financial difficulties while studying at the college. The fund is aimed at students aged 19 or over, contributing towards course related expenses. These include course fees, essential equipment, uniform, trips, travel costs and childcare fees.
The Advanced Learner Loan Bursary supports students on a level 3 course with an approved loan by the Student Loans Company. The bursary can help with childcare fees and travel costs.
Advanced Learner Loans
Advanced learner loans are available for learners aged 19 or above to undertake approved qualifications at levels 3 to level 6.
An Advanced Learner Loan helps with the costs of further education courses give individuals access to financial support for tuition costs similar to that available in higher education. Eligibility for the loan doesn’t depend on a learner’s income and there’s no credit checks.
If you take out an Advanced Learner Loan to fund your Access course and go on to complete a degree, you will not need to pay back the loan for your Access course.
