Blackburn College - 19 + Adult Learner Support fund

What the 19+ bursary gives you

You are eligible for means-tested support to help you attend a further education course at Blackburn College if you are 19 years of age or older and on a low income. There is no fixed amount. The college will assess your needs and cover the actual costs of your studies. These may include:

• A free bus pass or a travel allowance if you live more than one mile from the college, up to a maximum of 500 GBP (approx. 590 EUR)
• Support with course materials, books and school uniforms
• Exam fees
• A meal credit loaded onto your student ID card
• Help with trip costs
• Up to 90% in registered childcare costs whilst you are attending classes, provided you have dependent children

Course fees may be waived in certain circumstances. You can study free of charge if you receive means-tested social security benefits, earn less than 26,800 GBP per year, or are aged 19+ and do not hold a 3-level qualification (a higher qualification such as A-levels).

Who can apply

• Age: You are in 31 August of the academic year 19 or later.
• Course: You are enrolled at Blackburn College on a further education course funded by adults, whether on a full-time or part-time basis. Apprentices are not eligible to apply.
• Income: Your household income is less than 30,000 GBP (approximately 35,300 EUR) per year, or you receive social security benefits such as Universal Credit, income support or jobseeker’s allowance.
• Where you live: You have been living in the UK for at least 3 years.
• Attendance: You must attend at least 90% of your lessons and make steady progress in order to continue receiving support.
• Field of study: All continuing professional development subjects are eligible for funding.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, provided they meet the residence requirements.

How to apply

You must apply online via the university’s ‘PayMyStudent’ portal, quoting your student registration number. Please enclose proof of your household income, as your application will otherwise be considered incomplete. Funds are limited and are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. You should therefore apply as early as possible. Applications received after the end of June may not be processed in time before the start of your studies.

How realistic are your chances?

This fund is very limited. You must be studying at a specific university, have a grade point average of 19 or higher, and provide evidence of a low income; consequently, the number of eligible applicants is small. Funding is not guaranteed for all eligible applicants, as resources are limited and are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. If you clearly meet the criteria, submit your full proof of income and apply in good time before June, your chances are good.