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Financial support

We know how important money is and how much of an impact financial situations can play in your studies. That’s why at The Sheffield College we will always do our best to support you through your time at college.

Financial support

Financial support

Use the links here to explore the different student support funds that are available, as well as more details about Disabled Students' Allowances, free college meals and childcare. 

Student financial support

We are now accepting applications from students who are seeking financial support for the 2023/24 academic year. 

The Sheffield College's Financial Support Funds helps students on a low income to overcome financial barriers to their education, enabling them to continue with and successfully complete their course.

You may be eligible for help with the basic (but important!) necessities of undertaking a course at The Sheffield College, including getting to and from college, having the correct/essential books and equipment for your course, and with meals or childcare if required. 

Each fund has different eligibility rules relating to age, course funding, household income, receipt of means tested benefits and personal circumstances, so make sure that you read all of the information to check whether or not you can apply for that particular fund. If you need advice about which fund is right for you, contact our Admissions and Student Funding Team who can help point you in the right direction:

T: 0114 260 2600
E: studentsupportfund@sheffcol.ac.uk

Some of the schemes have budget constraints so early application is strongly advised in all cases, including all the requested evidence of personal/household income and benefits.

Unfortunately, these support funds schemes are not available to students on Apprenticeships or non-ESFA funded, full cost courses. 

16-19 Student Support Fund

There are a number of funds and support schemes available for students aged 16-19, including:

  • Vulnerable young person bursary fund
  • Discretionary support fund
  • College meal credits/vouchers
  • Care to Learn

Students applying for support via these funds need to be at least 16 but under 19 years of age on 31st August 2023.

There are some exceptions to this rule however, for example:

  • if you turn 19 during the first year of a two year study programme then you will still be eligible to claim support for the second year of your course
  • if you are aged 19-24 and are in receipt of an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)

19+ Student Support Fund

If you will be over the age of 19 on 31st August 2023, you may still be eligible to apply for one of the following:

  • 19+ Discretionary support fund
  • 19+ Advanced Learner Loan bursary
  • 20+ Childcare support fund

These funds are designed to help students with specific costs associated with their study programme and are available to students who are on ESFA funded courses.

University level student support fund

Whilst the majority of students on higher education programmes fund their study through The Student Loan Company, the University level student support fund can support students from under-represented groups with a variety of course related expenses, such as:

  • living expenses
  • travel costs to and from college
  • course resources e.g. specialist equipment, uniform, books etc.
  • trips, visits and residential experiences

This eligibility criteria is drawn from the college's Access and Participation Plan, however there is no age restriction and the application process will be open to any student on a higher education course who meets the eligibility criteria.

Travel

There are loads of different products available to students that can help make your travel to and from college as affordable as possible. 

Childcare

At The Sheffield College we don't believe that being a parent should be a barrier to your education. We've got nurseries at both City and Hillsborough Campuses, plus different funding options available to help you access the support you need to complete your studies.

Find out more