If you’re aged 19 or over (on 31 August), there’s financial support available to help with the cost of studying. For eligible courses at Level 3 and above - like Access to HE Diplomas - you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.
There are also two types of bursaries available for eligible students. These are designed to give you a helping hand if money is tight, so you can focus on achieving your goals at college.
Don’t forget that being a student also gives you access to exclusive discounts to help you save money on everything from fashion and food to tech and travel, find out more.
Please note:
- Bursary applications are currently open for returning students only
- New students can apply from 26 June
- It can take up to 8 weeks to process your bursary application
- You don’t need to meet all the criteria - if even one applies to you, you may qualify for financial support.
- Bursaries for part-time courses are discretionary - any award will be a proportion of the full amount.
For more information, please read our student finance policies.
- 19+ student finance policy (PDF, 230kb)
- Advanced learner loan student financial support policy (PDF, 235kb)
Bursaries
If you’re aged 19+ (on 31 August) there are two types of bursaries for eligible students, and the good news is they don’t need to be paid back.
Student Support Fund (19+)
This bursary is available to students whose household income is under £40,000, or to those aged 19–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), where either the student or their parent/carer receives a qualifying benefit. It can help cover costs related to studying at college, including:
- Monthly attendance-based bursary payments (pro-rate for part-time students):
- 1 day/week = £25 per month
- 2 days/week = £50 per month
- 3+ days/week = £75 per month.
- Free access to the West Notts College Travel Scheme (if you study on campus for two or more days a week)
- Support with the cost of any mandatory kit or uniform
- Free college meals*
- Support with childcare costs.
Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund
This bursary is available to students who have received an approved Advanced Learner Loan and have a household income under £40,000, or to those aged 19–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), where either the student or their parent/carer receives a qualifying benefit. It can help with the costs of studying at college, including:
- Monthly attendance-based bursary payments (pro-rate for part-time students):
- 1 day/week = £25 per month
- 2 days/week = £50 per month
- 3+ days/week = £75 per month.
- Free access to the West Notts College Travel Scheme (if you study on campus for two or more days a week)
- Support with the cost of any mandatory kit or uniform
- Free college meals*
- Support with childcare costs.
Ready to apply for a bursary?
Applications for academic year 2025/2026 are now open. You can visit the portal at any time to check the status of your bursary application.
Advanced Learner Loan
You may be able to get an Advanced Learner Loan to help pay for your course tuition fees. This government-backed loan supports adults studying eligible Level 3 and above qualifications that improve skills and boost employability.
There’s nothing to pay upfront, and you won’t start repaying the loan until you’re earning over £25,750 a year. Even then, you’ll only repay 9% of anything you earn above that amount - and any remaining loan is written off after 30 years.
If you're using the loan to study an Access to Higher Education course, your loan will be completely written off once you complete an eligible higher education course. (Please note: any voluntary repayments made before starting higher education are non-refundable.)
If you’re aged 19–23 and this is your first full Level 3 qualification, you may still be entitled to free tuition, so you might not need a loan at all.
Advanced Learner Loan FAQs
- Am I eligible?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are aged 19 or over at the start of your course
- Are studying an eligible course at Level 3, 4, 5 or 6 (e.g. Access to Higher Education, QCF Certificates/Diplomas, A Levels – up to 4, Advanced or Higher Apprenticeships)
- Meet Student Finance England’s nationality or residency criteria.
- How do I apply?
The easiest way is to apply online via gov.uk.
- When can I apply?
You can apply once you’ve received your Learning and Funding Information Letter from the college. You’ll need this to complete your application.
- How much can I borrow?
You can borrow between £300 up to the maximum set by the Skills Funding Agency. If your course costs more, you’ll need to pay the difference. Full details will be in your Learning and Funding Information Letter.
- How many loans can I have?
You can take out up to four loans in total and even hold more than one at a time.
You can:
- Apply for multiple courses at the same level
- Only apply once for an Access to Higher Education course.
- When do I repay the loan?
Repayments start only when you earn over £25,750 a year. The loan is written off after 30 years.
If you take out a loan for an Access to Higher Education course, and go on to complete an eligible higher education course, your loan will be written off entirely.
Contact us
For further information about your finance options whilst at college, please contact the student finance team.
- 01623 900455
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*Eligible for free college meals if you are aged between 19-24 with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and either you or your parent/carer being in receipt of the qualifying benefit. Visit our main financial support page for more information.