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Financial support

We don’t want paying for courses to hold you back from achieving your goals. That’s why there’s a range of financial support available depending on your personal circumstances.

Whether you’re worried about course fees or other study-related costs, we’re here to help. Many of our courses offer funding for eligible students - so always check with us to see what you may be entitled to.

Financial support available for academic year 2025/2026

Please select your age as of 31 August 2025 to view the financial support you may be eligible for.

Students aged 16-18

Students aged 19+

Free college meals

If you’re a student facing financial difficulty, you may be entitled to free college meals to help with the cost of food while you study. Find out if you’re eligible and how the scheme works below.

You may be eligible for free college meals if:

  • You're aged 16–18, or
  • You're aged 19–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
  • You or your parent/carer receive one of the following benefits:
    • Income Support
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
    • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
    • The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
    • Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit and income under £16,190)
    • Working Tax Credit run-on (for 4 weeks after stopping work)
    • Universal Credit (with net earnings under £7,400 a year)

How it works:

  • You’ll get £4 per day (government-funded £2.61, topped up by the college)
  • Payments are uploaded weekly to your student ID card for use on campus.

Transitional Protection

If you were receiving free meals on or after 1 April 2018, you'll remain eligible until at least March 2025, or until the end of your current course. 

Student Discounts

Being a student comes with great perks - including access to exclusive discounts to help you save money on everything from fashion and food to tech and travel. Here are three top platforms that make it easy to get more for your money.

  • TOTUM

    TOTUM is the official student discount card and app, giving you access to discounts on books, clothes, music, tech, travel, food, and more.

    • Free app with access to basic discounts and details on college events
    • Premium membership from £14.99/year unlocks full discounts and optional ID
    • Get a digital card instantly when you sign up via the app.

    Sign up to TOTUM

  • Student Beans

    Student Beans offers exclusive discounts on your favourite brands both online and in-store.

    • Get discounts by showing your Student Beans ID or entering a code at checkout
    • Use the Student Beans app or website to browse and redeem offers
    • Save on fashion, tech, food, entertainment, and more.

    Sign up to Student Beans

  • UNiDAYS

    UNiDAYS gives students free access to discounts from over 800 top brands.

    • Quick, free sign-up with student email verification
    • No physical card needed - just use the UNiDAYS app
    • Access deals on brands like ASOS, Apple, Adidas, and more
    • Re-verify each year to keep saving.

    Sign up to UNiDAYS

Contact us

For further information about your finance options whilst at college, please contact the student finance team.

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