Money Matters

It is often a question of whether or not you can afford to study rather than the desire to study that worries people. Boston College strives to give you the best advice and guidance, and to help you no matter what your situation.

Fees and costs:

Fees and costs are not shown within this guide but once you have chosen a course to suit you, you may request a Course Information Sheet where you will find all fees and costs including Tuition Fees and Approximate Additional Costs (AAC). If a course lasts for more than one year, only the first year’s tuition fee and costs will be listed, unless otherwise specified. Fees apply to Government subsidised courses followed by students ordinarily resident in the UK and most students from EU countries. Full-time course tuition is free for those who are under 19 on 31st August of the year they start their course. For the over 19's, fees for courses vary, with some concessions depending on your circumstances. The Approximate Additional Cost (AAC) is a guide to the cost of your course on top of your tuition fee. They can include registration, materials and assessment for example, and are payable to the College on enrolment. Other costs, such as membership of professional bodies or tools and kit, will be explained when you enrol. Further details can be found in the College’s Fees Policy, available from Student Services.

Financial Assistance

It is now a government requirement that we must see proof of identification for all learners. This can take the form of a passport, driving licence, National Insurance card, bank credit / debit card, exam certificate, employer’s ID or government Entitlement to Benefit letter. We are unable to enrol you without this identification.

Learner Support Funds

The College may be able to provide assistance through its Learner Support Funds to learners suffering financial difficulties or hardship. The funds do not provide a grant to live on but can help with the costs of being a learner such as travel to College, books, childcare etc. Eligibility criteria apply. For more information please contact Student Services at De Montfort Campus on 01205 365701 ext 4440.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

EMA is available to learners who are aged 16,17 or 18 and have left (or about to leave) compulsary education and are joining a full-time course or an LSC-funded programme leading to an apprenticeship (PLA). Anyone who meets this criteria and whose household income is less than £30,810 could be entitled to an EMA. For further information contact the Student / Parent Helpline on 0800 1218989, visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema or contact Karen Dunmore (ext 4457) or Stephanie Searles (ext 3372) at Boston College on 01205 365701.

Adult Learning Grant (ALG)

If you are aged 19 or over and studying a full-time Full Level 2 or first Full Level 3 qualification which you are attending full-time, you may be entitled to an Adult Learning Grant. For more information contact the Student/Parent Helpline on 0800 121 8989, visit www.direct.gov.uk/alg or contact Karen Dunmore on 01205 365701 ext. 4457. For definitions of a Full Level 2 or 3 please contact us on 01205 313233.

Financial Assistance for Adults

For information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact 0800 100 900

Student Loans

Only learners following Higher Education courses (degrees and HNDs) are entitled to apply for a Student Loan through the County Council. The amount of loan depends on individual circumstances.

Skills Accounts

Skills Accounts are currently being trialled in the East Midlands. This may allow you to access a Skills voucher that allows you to see whether you are eligible for government funding towards the cost of learning.

Please visit www.direct.gov.uk/skillsaccounts for further information.

Home to College Transport

If you are under 19 on 1st September prior to the start of your course, studying for more than 12.5 hours and live more than 3 miles from the College, you may be eligible for a travel pass from the LCC. For more information please contact The School Services Transport Team's Customer Service Centre on 01522 782020 or visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

Free Child Care for Training and Learning for Work

This is a new Government scheme that provides free Ofsted registered Child Care for parents wanting to learn new skills and train for a better job.

For more information please visit www.direct.gov.uk/freechildcare or contact 0800 121 8989

Care to Learn

If you are aged under 20, returning to education and have a low household income you may be entitled to financial assistance to pay towards childcare with a registered or OfSTED approved childminder. For more information please visit www.dfes.gov.uk/caretolearn or telephone 0845 6002809

For further information on Student Finances please visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

Page Last Updated : 10/08/2010 12:05:02