We don’t want costs to be a barrier to study. That is why we offer access to a range of financial support for students with households on low incomes and/or qualifying benefits. Applications for the below funds can be made during the summer before the start of the new academic year.
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.
The Student Finance portal is now open for 2026/27 applications – Click Here
For further help and advice, please contact the Student Finance Team by telephone or email at:
- 01502 525124
- studentfinance@eastcoast.ac.uk
Discretionary Bursary
Students aged 16+ can apply for funding to support the additional costs involved in their course. These may include:
- Travel to College
- Meal support including Free College Meals
- Course Equipment & Books
- Stationery
- Educational Trips
- University Visits and Interview
- Loan of a Laptop
This is a discretionary fund allocated to households on low incomes and / or qualifying benefits earning under £37,000 a year gross (£30,000 net), on a first come, first served basis.
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 receiving Income Support or Universal Credit
- Receiving Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance as well as Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments
Government 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:
- Universal Credit
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- The guarantee element of Pension Credit
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.