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Telford College is open today across all our campuses. Please travel in safely. (12/01/2026).

Financial Support

At Telford College, we may be able to help you with the cost of your studies.

If you are aged 16-18:

  • You won’t be charged any fees for enrolment, tuition, or exams.
  • You may be asked to contribute voluntarily to the cost of non-compulsory trips or visits, and to purchase any required uniform.
  • If you’re finding it difficult to afford the costs of attending college, support may be available.
  • Where there are essential costs to attend college, we may be able to offer additional support if your household income is below £35,000.

We offer financial assistance through two Government-funded bursary schemes – Enhanced and Discretionary – as well as free college meals for eligible students.

See what courses I'm eligible for

What is an enhanced bursary?

Enhanced Bursary

You may be eligible for an enhanced bursary if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • You are classed as a ‘Looked After’ child by the local authority
  • You have previously been ‘In Care’ and are now classed as a ‘Care Leaver’
  • You receive Income Support or Universal Credit in your own name
  • You receive both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in your own name

Students are not automatically entitled to £1,200 per year. We will assess your application to identify an actual financial need. 

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What is a discretionary award?

If you do not qualify for an enhanced bursary, you may still be entitled to discretionary funds to help with the cost of coming to college. 

We will need to see your parents’ income if you are aged between 16-18. 

We may be able to give you help towards the following (receipts needed for certain costs): 

  • Travel expenses 
  • Kit/uniform and materials essential for your course 
  • Professional and exam fees  
  • UCAS fees 
  • Educational visits and workshops 
  • Help with childcare fees when you are at college or placement 
  • College meals (certain criteria apply) 
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College meals

You will be eligible for support towards the cost of food/drink while you are at college  if the criteria below is met: 

Alongside your age, you (if you are living independently) or your parents/guardians must be in receipt of one of the following:  

  • Income support 

  • Anyone in receipt Universal Credit (UC) from September 2026

  • Income Based Jobseekers Allowance 
  • Income related Employment Support Allowance 
  • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 
  • Guarantee element of State Pension Credit 
  • Child Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of less than £16,190 as assessed by HMRC. If you/your parents receive Working Tax Credits, you are NOT entitled to free meals, regardless of income amount. 
  • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after someone stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit 
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FAQS

Once you have applied and holding an offer to study on a course at the college you will receive a link to apply, once we open our bursary application process.

 

We will assess your application to identify an actual financial need. We cannot pay you any money up front, and will wherever possible, pay awards ‘in kind’ – giving you a bus pass for instance, so you don’t need to find the money to pay for it. 

Once all required evidence has been uploaded, your application may take up to 15 working days to process. You will be notified of the outcome by email.

To avoid any delays, please ensure your application is submitted well in advance of your course start date, where possible.

You will need to let us know your total household income, and provide evidence to prove your eligibility for the Discretionary Award. We do not take into account Child Benefit, DLA/PIP or Carer’s Allowance. Evidence could include: 

  • All pages of your most recent Tax Credits Awards notice or Tax Credits Review
  • The last 3 Universal Credit award statements, showing how payments have been calculated
  • All pages of a recent Income Support / JSA / ESA award letter, showing payments made after the start of the current financial year
  • Audited accounts for the most recent completed tax year
  • A current Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit statement
  • A recent State Pension award letter, showing payments made after the start of the current financial year
  • Recent payslips or bank statements (for students with no income)

Evidence Required for Vulnerable Bursary Applications

  • Written confirmation of current or previous looked-after status from the relevant local authority
  • A copy of your Income Support (IS) or Universal Credit (UC) award notice, clearly showing the claim is in your own name/that they are entitled in your own right
  • If in receipt of UC, additional documentation to confirm independent status (for example: tenancy agreement, utility bill, or child benefit / birth certificate)
  • A copy of the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) award notice and a Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award notice in your own name, where applicable

Yes, we can support you with childcare fees whilst attending college. You just need to indicate you need this support when completing your application.

Yes. If you are refused funds, we will send you a letter giving details of how you can appeal. 

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