Financial support
We know that financial worries can sometimes make studying feel harder than it needs to be. That’s why we offer a range of support to help with everyday costs such as travel, meals, equipment, and more – so you can focus on your learning and your future.
the process
All financial support is subject to eligibility and is dependent on good attendance and behaviour. Where students pay for items upfront, receipts will be required before any reimbursement can be made. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you access the support that’s right for you.
If you need advice or support at any point, call 01482 329943 or email [email protected].
16–19 Bursary Fund
If you’re aged 16-18 on 31st August 2025, you may be eligible for the 16–19 Bursary Fund. If you’re 19+ and either continuing a course you started aged 16–18 or have an EHCP, you may also still qualify.
How to Apply
Applications open in early August. Simply apply online using the link provided and remember to activate your account via email before completing the form.
What Support Could You Receive?
Discretionary Bursary For learners with a household income under £37,000. Support may include:
- Help with travel costs
- On-site meal allowance (£5 per timetabled day added to your student ID card)
- Essential course items such as books, equipment, uniform, or trips
- UCAS fee support and university visits (Level 3 learners)
- Free School Meals If your household receives qualifying benefits, you may be entitled to free meals in college. If applying under transitional protection, please upload your entitlement document during your application.
You will be eligible for Free School Meals if anyone in your household receives one of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- State Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Child Tax Credit (as long as you’re not getting Working Tax Credit and your household income is £16,190 or below)
- Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after someone stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit with household earnings not exceeding the equivalent of £7,400 for each year (after tax and not including any benefits)
If you’re still covered by transitional protection, just upload a letter from your school or your entitlement notice to your application portal.
Travel Support Options
We offer flexible travel support, including:
- Stagecoach Mega Rider (provided by the college)
- EYMS E-Ticket (issued through the EYMS app)
- Rail Reimbursement (just submit your train tickets for refund)
Vulnerable Student Bursary
Worth up to £1,200 per year if you:
- Are in care or a care leaver
- Receive Universal Credit or Income Support and live independently
- Receive DLA/PIP alongside ESA or UC in your own name
Support may include travel (see travel support options above), meals (£5 for each day you are timetabled added to your student ID card to use on-site), and essential course-related items. If your needs exceed £1,200, additional support may be available through the Discretionary Bursary.
In line with Department for Education guidance, bursaries are usually provided ‘in kind’ (e.g., travel passes, equipment, meal credits). Cash will only be issued in exceptional circumstances.
Receiving Benefits While Studying
Receiving bursary funding does not affect most means-tested benefits received by your family, such as Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, or Universal Credit.
However, if a student receives DLA (or PIP) and ESA in their own name, parents or carers may no longer be eligible to claim certain household benefits for that young person (such as Child Benefit).
Please note: We cannot use bursary funds to pay for general living costs. This is outside the scope of the fund and is covered under the Social Security Amendment (Students and Income-related Benefits) Regulations 2000.
If you’re unsure how this applies to you, our Student Finance Team can offer guidance.
Care to Learn (Childcare Support)
Care to Learn is a scheme designed to help young parents with the costs of childcare whilst in education. This funding is only available for students aged 16-19 as of your course start date. If you are 20+, please note you need to apply for childcare funding through the bursary. You will need to provide either:
- Child Benefit proof, or your child’s birth certificate and evidence you are the main carer.
Important Tips
- You must have chosen and registered with your chosen childcare provider before submitting Care to Learn application.
- We advise that you check that they are happy to accept Care to Learn funding before registering with them.
- Funding is capped at £180 per week per child, so you may need to pay towards your childcare if it exceeds this. Extra support may be available from the discretionary bursary if required.
- You must be in receipt of Child Benefit.
- You will need to upload photos of Child Benefit and/or your child’s full Birth Certificate, so it is worth having these handy or photos ready when you apply.
Applications are now made directly through the Hull College Pay My Student portal.
appeals and support
If your application isn’t approved, you can submit an appeal within 10 days. Supporting evidence will be required to show financial need. Appeal instructions will be included with your application outcome.
Need Support or Have Questions? We’re here to help every step of the way.
Call: 01482 329943
Email: [email protected]
Visit: Customer Service Advisors at Chesters Reception
