Fee waivers and funding support

Fees

We want to make education as accessible as possible. The information below gives an overview of the fee waivers, funding options and financial support that may be available to you. 

Important: All fee waivers, funding eligibility and fee reductions are subject to assessment at the time of enrolment. Any information provided on our website is for guidance only and does not guarantee entitlement to funding, fee remission or a particular fee outcome. Your eligibility will be confirmed once your individual circumstances and supporting evidence have been reviewed by our enrolment team.  

You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you are:

Aged 16 to 18

Tuition fees are not normally charged to eligible learners aged 16 to 18 on ESFA-funded courses. For funding purposes, you must usually be under 19 on 31 August in the calendar year when your course starts. Some courses may include additional costs such as specialist equipment, trips or exam resits. Eligible students may be able to access extra support through our Learner Support Fund.

Studying eligible English, maths or digital skills qualifications

Eligible English and maths qualifications up to and including Level 2, and Essential Digital Skills or Functional Digital Skills qualifications up to and including Level 1, may be fully funded if they form part of the relevant legal entitlement.

Aged 19 to 23 and studying your first full Level 2 qualification

If you do not already hold a full Level 2 qualification, you may be entitled to free tuition on an eligible government-funded course.

Aged 19 to 23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification

You may be entitled to free tuition for an eligible Level 3 course if you do not already hold a full Level 3 qualification.

Eligible for Free Courses for Jobs

Adults aged 19 and over may be able to study selected Level 3 qualifications free of charge through the government’s Free Courses for Jobs offer. The qualification must be included in the approved offer. Eligibility varies according to your age, whether you already hold a full Level 3 qualification, and whether you are unemployed or on a low income.

Employed on a low income

You may be eligible for full funding on qualifying courses up to Level 2 if your individual annual income is below £28,860 and your home postcode is in the GLA devolved area, or below £25,000 if you live outside London. You will need to provide evidence of income dated within the previous three months at enrolment.

Unemployed and receiving certain benefits

You may be entitled to full funding for an eligible course if you are unemployed or receive a qualifying benefit and the course will help you move into work or progress in employment. Your eligibility and evidence will be assessed at enrolment.

Other circumstances

If your circumstances are not listed above—including your residency or immigration status, economic activity, or additional learning support needs—please speak to our enrolment team. Other funding routes may be available, but eligibility and supporting evidence must be assessed individually at enrolment.

Other funding options

Advanced Learner Loans

If you are studying an eligible course and do not qualify for a fee waiver, you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. Once approved, the loan is paid directly to the College. Your loan should be approved within six weeks of the first day of learning; otherwise, you will need to pay the fees in full or agree an instalment plan.

Higher Education Tuition Fee Loans

Students on eligible Higher Education courses may be able to apply for a tuition fee loan through Student Finance England. The loan should be approved within six weeks of starting the course; otherwise, you will need to pay the fees in full or agree an instalment plan.

If you are not eligible for a full fee waiver

You may still benefit from government-subsidised tuition through co-funding arrangements, where part of your course cost is funded and you pay a contribution towards the remaining balance. Some learners may need to pay the full course fee, depending on their circumstances and the eligibility of their chosen course.

Flexible payment plans

Instalment plans are available on eligible courses where the total fees are at least £200 and the course lasts at least 12 weeks. A deposit is required at enrolment, and payments are made through the College’s recurring card payment system. If you withdraw, any unpaid balance will normally remain due.

Need advice?

Our enrolment team can help you understand what funding and financial support may be available based on your circumstances. All fee waivers, funding decisions and payment arrangements are confirmed following assessment at enrolment.