Financial Help

Financial Support and Transport

The Government has allocated the college with a limited level of funding to distribute to students of all ages who face the greatest financial barriers to continuing education.

Student finance applications for the 2023/24 academic year are now open. Please apply via the student finance portal.

You can contact the Student Finance Team for further help and advice using the following details:

Discretionary Learner Support

Students aged 16+ can apply for funding to support the additional costs involved in their course.  These may include:

  • Travel to College
  • Meals on Campus
  • Course Equipment & Books
  • Stationery
  • Course Trips
  • University Visits and Interviews

This is a discretionary fund allocated to low income households, earning under £28,000 a year or receiving qualifying benefits, on a first come first served basis subject to priorities set by the college.

The 16 to 19 Vulnerable Bursary

A Vulnerable Bursary may be available to help students with their actual costs of participating in college who are:

  • In Care or a Care Leaver
  • Living independently on Universal Credits or Income Support
  • Disabled and receiving Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit and Disability Allowance or Personal Independent Payments

A maximum of £1,200 for the academic year can be award in part or full depending on the requirements of each student.

Free College Meals

East Coast College will provide a free meal to eligible students, on the days they attend their college course or placement for three hours or more.

You may be entitled if you are:

  • 16-18 when you start an eligible course
  • 19 continuing on an eligible course
  • 19-25 with an EHCP

and in receipt of one of the following benefits:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
  • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190 as assessed by HMRC
  • Working Tax Credit Run on (paid for 4 weeks after someone stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
  • Universal Credit with net earnings not exceeding £7,400 per year

Meals may also be awarded, at the College’s discretion, to students who have applied for discretionary support and meet the income threshold criteria.  Eligibility will be assessed through the applications and evidence received and meal credits added to the student’s college card.

Care to Learn Funding

Government funding is available for young parents under the age of 20 to help with nursery fees. Visit Government Care to Learn for more information.

Fees

Tuition is free to all full-time 16 to 18 year olds who are British nationals, EU citizens or who have residence qualifications in the UK. Fees for adults and other nationals are available on request.

Contact Us

Please contact the Student Finance Team for further help and advice on:

Email studentfinance@eastcoast.ac.uk

Great Yarmouth – Call 01493 418312

Lowestoft – Call 01502 525124