Student Financial Support - Oldham College

Travel – Greater Manchester has announced a free bus travel scheme for 16-18 year olds called ‘Our Pass’(The application window opens on the 1st of July 2019).You should apply for this scheme to help you with your travelling expenses. There is an application fee of approx. £10, you can apply for a refund of this fee from the Bursary. For more information about ‘Our Pass’ please visit www.ourpass.co.uk

If you live over 1 mile from college and use an alternative form of transport because it is not possible for you to travel to college by bus, we may be able to help with these costs. If you are 19 or over you won’t be able to apply for ‘Our Pass’ and should apply for the bursary if you need help with your travelling expenses. If eligible you will be awarded a half -termly payment to help with these costs.

Books / Equipment – If you need specific books or equipment to complete your course, we may be able to contribute to the cost by making payment direct to your course department (aged 16-18 ONLY).

Educational Trips – If you have the opportunity to attend a course related trip, we may be able to contribute towards the cost (all age groups).

Meals  – We can help towards the cost of a meal whilst you are in college. If you do qualify, we will add a meal allowance to your student ID card, to be used in the college café (aged 16-18).

If you are aged 19 or over, you may qualify a half-termly meals payment to help towards the cost of your meals whilst you are in college.

UCAS Related Expenses & Trips – We will reimburse the cost of your university application fee (UCAS Fee) should you apply.

Childcare – If you are a parent and need childcare for the days you are in college, we may be able to support with the costs. You can choose the childcare provider but they must be Ofsted registered. (Age 20+)
The College has its own onsite Nursery called Butterflies, which we are proud to say has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. For more information, please contact the nursery directly on 0161 785 4090 or have a look at the details on our website

If you are a young parent under the age of 20, the government Care to Learn Scheme may be able to assist you with your childcare costs. For more information or to apply online, visit www.gov.uk/care-to-learn.

Work experience / work placement – Most courses contain some work experience. If you expect to incur additional costs for your travel or meals expenses whilst you are on work experience, please ask the Bursary Team to see if additional funds are available.

Vulnerable Learners Payments – For 16-18yr Olds – An alternative Bursary is available to help with the costs associated with coming to college, if you are:

• In Care / Care

• Receiving Income Support or Universal Credit because you are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you and living with you such as a child or partner

• Receiving DLA/PIP and ESA/Universal Credit in your own right.