Fees, Funding and Financial Support

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The costs of learning can be difficult to meet. Depending on your personal and financial circumstances there may be funding available to you to assist you in successfully completing your course. There are some general funds and those that are age or circumstance specific.

Tuition, Exam and Registration Fees

  • 16-18

    If you are a UK/EU citizen and aged between 16-18, you will not need to pay any tuition or registration fees whilst studying a full-time programme with us. For learners under 19 studying Higher Education, fees will apply. A loan maybe available to you from Student Finance England.

    Help with transportation costs, meals and other financial support for eligible students is available through the Newbury College Bursary Fund.

    To find out if you are eligible for help with these costs, please contact Information Services.

  • 19+

    If you are a UK/EU citizen and aged 19 or over at the start of your course, you may need to pay tuition, exam and/or registration fees.

    Community learning (West Berkshire)

    Adults on West Berkshire-funded Community Learning programmes may be eligible for a discount if they meet qualifying criteria. See Community Learning (newbury-college.ac.uk) for details.

    FURTHER EDUCATION

    Most learners aged 19 and over, studying at Level 3 and above, could qualify for an Advanced Learning Loan from the UK government. Read our guide to 'Everything you need to know about Advanced Learner Loans'.

    It is easy to apply, your household income isn't taken into account and there's no credit check. You won't have to pay anything back until your income is over £2,214 a month (before tax and other deductions). For more information on Advanced Learning Loans visit gov.uk.

    Level 2 and Level 3 Entitlement

    If you are aged 19-23 and do not currently have a full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, you may be eligible for Level 2 or Level 3 Entitlement. This scheme entitles you to remission on your tuition fees (other fees such as exam fees or the cost of materials must be paid). To find out if you are eligible please contact Information Services.

    HIGHER EDUCATION

    Your main costs for higher education will be tuition fees and the cost of books and equipment, however there may also be other costs to consider such as accommodation and living costs. The government offers UK and EU students a higher education tuition fee loan which you only start to repay after graduation, once you are earning over £2,214 a month (before tax and other deductions). Grants and loans for maintenance support may also be available. For more information on student loan rates and maintenance grants visit gov.uk. For learners under 19 studying higher education, fees will also apply. A loan may be available to you from Student Finance England.

    To find out if you are eligible for help with the cost of tuition, exam and registration fees please contact Information Services.

College subscription Fund

Your £15 College Subscription contributes to the following events and facilities:

  • Contribution towards printing costs 
  • Careers events and open days
  • Free on-site parking
  • Transport to extra-curricular events
  • Student ID cards which can be used to access discounts from major retailers and attractions 
  • Enrichment activities including sports events, sports coaches and subsidised gym membership

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Depending on your chosen course, there may be costs you have to pay in addition to any course fees, which could include money for books, trips, equipment/materials or specialist clothing. Where courses include additional costs, you will be advised of the costs at enrolment.

BURSARIES

The Bursary Fund provides financial help for people who face barriers to staying in education. Bursaries available include:

  • Bursaries of up to £1,200 a year for the most vulnerable young people aged 16 - 18; and
  • Discretionary bursaries based on individual needs, such as help with the costs of travel, equipment, childcare or free meals

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I have to apply for a bursary every year?
    Yes. The bursary policy changes every year, and students enrolled in a two-year course must submit a new application with supporting evidence yearly.

    Does the money have to be repaid?
    No. Money issued by the bursary does not have to be repaid. The exceptions are when incomplete or false information is given or a student withdraws early from a course. If a student receives equipment in kind and does not complete the course, this must be returned.

    How do I apply for Free Meals?
    The bursary form includes the option to apply for free college meals.

    Can I submit an application form and send the evidence later?
    No. Applications can only be processed when the correct supporting evidence is provided. Missing evidence and incomplete forms are the biggest causes of delay, affecting all applications.

    Is PIP (Personal Independence Payment) an eligible benefit?
    No. PIP is not an eligible benefit as it is not means-tested.

    If I have an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan), does this make me eligible for the bursary or free meals?
    No. Having an EHCP does not entitle you to a bursary or free meals. You would still need to be in receipt of an eligible benefit.

    How is the bursary paid?
    Payments are made on the last working day of each month between September and June. All payments are made to the student’s bank account via BACS transfer. This includes travel payments and reimbursement for equipment, uniform, books and other materials.

    Can payments be made to a parent/carer?
    No. We cannot make payments to parents or carers unless they have Power of Attorney or there are extenuating circumstances.

    Is there a deadline to apply?
    No. We accept applications throughout the year. Funds are limited and are prioritised by the date the complete application is received. We recommend applying early to avoid disappointment.

    How can I submit the evidence?
    All evidence should be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can send document attachments, photos, and screenshots, as long as the information is visible.

    Does my attendance affect my bursary?
    Yes. Attendance is checked every month, and if it is unsatisfactory, the bursary may not be paid. Always contact the attendance line if you are unable to come to college.

    If I’m 19+ years and live at home, can I submit my parents’ benefits?
    No. If you are 19 or over, the benefits must be in your name.

    Does the bursary support the football academy tours?
    No. The bursary supports essential educational visits and trips only

    Can you claim for petrol?
    Support for petrol is only authorised if you travel from an address without access to public transport.

    How long does it take to process the application?
    You should allow 2 weeks; however, during the busy period of September/October, it can take longer.

    Do I have to print off the application form to sign it?
    No. We utilise Microsoft Forms to support an easier application.

  • Help With Child Care

    Childcare support for 16-19 year old students is provided through the Care to Learn Scheme.

    You can apply to the Care to Learn team for help with childcare costs provided by a registered child care provider. You will need to apply online via the Care to Learn website. Once you complete the forms online and selected your chosen OFSTED register childcare provider, we will confirm your attendance and payments will be made.

    For more information please contact Information Services or call the Care to Learn helpline on 0800 121 8989.

    Child care support for students aged 20 or over may be provided via the Bursary. A Bursary application form will need to be completed.

  • Free Meals

    Free meals are made available for disadvantaged students.

    Students must be:

    • Aged between 16 and 18 on 31 August to be eligible in the current academic year. Students who turn 19 during their study programme will remain eligible for a free meal until the end of the academic year in which they turn 19 or to the end of their study programme, whichever is sooner.
    • Aged between 19 and 25 who are subject to a Learning Difficulty Assessment (LDA) or Education Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan) and ESF students aged between 16 and 18 on 31 August 2016 are also entitled to a free meal while attending College if they meet the eligibility criteria.

    For the purposes of eligibility for free meals, 'disadvantage' is defined by the students being in receipt of, or having parents who are in receipt of, one or more 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
    • The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
    • Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
    • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
    • During the initial roll out of the benefit, Universal Credit
      The student, or their parent/guardian, must submit an application form.

    As part of the application, evidence must be provided of the qualifying benefits set out above, for example a copy of an award notice or letter from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) (please do not send originals).

    Eligible students will receive an allowance of £2.58 each day they are timetabled to attend their course, to be spent in the College refectory.

    The following groups of student are not eligible for a free meal:

    • students aged 19 or over at the start of their study programme, unless they have an LDA or EHC Plan.
    • apprentices, including those with an LDA or EHC Plan.

DISCLAIMER

Newbury College has made every effort to ensure that information contained within this website is correct however, government eligibility for funding can vary from year to year. Please contact Information Services on 01635 845000 to discuss your eligibility and the types of funding and fee remission you may be entitled to.