We don’t want costs to be a barrier to study. That is why we offer access to a range of financial support for students with households on low incomes or qualifying benefits. Applications for the below funds can be made during the summer before the start of the new academic year.
Financial Support and Transport
The Government has allocated the college with a limited level of funding to distribute to students of all ages who face the greatest financial barriers to continuing education.
Student finance applications for the 2024/25 academic year are now open. Please apply via the student finance portal
You can contact the Student Finance Team for further help and advice using the following details:
- 01502 525124
- studentfinance@eastcoast.ac.uk
Discretionary Learner Support
Students aged 16+ can apply for funding to support the additional costs involved in their course. These may include:
- Travel to College
- Meals on Campus
- Course Equipment & Books
- Stationery
- Course Trips
- University Visits and Interviews
This is a discretionary fund allocated to low income households, earning under £30,000 a year or receiving qualifying benefits, on a first come first served basis subject to priorities set by the college.
The 16 to 19 Vulnerable Bursary
A Vulnerable Bursary may be available to help students with their actual costs of participating in college who are:
- In Care or a Care leaver
- Living independently receiving Income Support or Universal Credit
- Receiving Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance as well as Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments
Free College Meals
East Coast College will provide a free meal to eligible students, on the days they attend their college course or placement for three hours or more.
You may be entitled if you are:
- 16-18 when you start an eligible course
- 19 continuing on an eligible course
- 19-25 with an EHCP
and in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Child Tax Credit (provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190 as assessed by HMRC
- Working Tax Credit Run on (paid for 4 weeks after someone stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit with net earnings not exceeding £7,400 per year
Meals may also be awarded, at the College’s discretion, to students who have applied for discretionary support and meet the income threshold criteria. Eligibility will be assessed through the applications and evidence received and meal credits added to the student’s college card.
Care to Learn Funding
Government funding is available for young parents under the age of 20 to help with nursery fees. Visit Government Care to Learn for more information.
Fees
Tuition is free to all full-time 16 to 18 year olds who are British nationals, EU citizens or who have residence qualifications in the UK. Fees for adults and other nationals are available on request.
Contact Us
Please contact the Student Finance Team for further help and advice on:
Email studentfinance@eastcoast.ac.uk
Great Yarmouth – Call 01493 418312
Lowestoft – Call 01502 525124