It is not always possible to find and study FE courses close to your home. But, you might get funding for college accommodation while you are studying.
This guide explains how to get financial help with term-time accommodation, how much you might get, and how to claim it.
Your household income will determine how much financial support you can get to cover the costs of staying away from home.
Depending on whether you are studying at a specialist residential centre - or not - the funding will come from (either):
Note: Even though you may get funding for college accommodation while studying a further education course, it does cover the fees for staying at boarding schools.
If you meet the Residential Bursary Fund eligibility criteria you may get help with the cost of paying for college accommodation. You would need to:
Note: If you are 19, you might still qualify if you are continuing a course that you started from 16 to 18 or you have an education, health and care plan (EHCP).
The further education (FE) course that you are studying must be full time, and:
Even though the payments can continue for a maximum of three (3) years, it will be your college that makes a decision on the amount that you get (based on your household income).
Note: Contact the student support officer based at the college for further help on filling in an application form to claim a Residential Bursary Fund (RBF).
If you meet the Residential Support Scheme eligibility criteria you may get help with the cost of paying for college accommodation. You would need to:
Note: If you are 19, you might still qualify if you are continuing a course that you started from 16 to 18 or you have an education, health and care plan (EHCP).
The further education (FE) course that you are studying must be full-time at a college in England, and:
Payments can continue for a maximum of three (3) years. But, the chart shows the maximum amount of award available each year based on where you study and your costs for accommodation.
| HOUSEHOLD INCOME (GROSS) | STUDYING OUTSIDE LONDON | STUDYING INSIDE LONDON |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £21,000 | Up to a maximum of £3,458 | Up to a maximum of £4,079 |
| Between £21,001 and £25,704 | Up to a maximum of £2,305 | Up to a maximum of £2,685 |
| Between £25,705 and £30,993 | Up to a maximum of £1,152 | Up to a maximum of £1,355 |
| £30,994 (or over) | No award available | No award available |
Note: Contact the student support officer based at the college for further help on filling in an application form and to make a claim through the Residential Support Scheme (RSS).
How to Get Funding for College Accommodation in United Kingdom