If you're aged 16–19 (on 31 August), there’s financial help available to support you with the cost of studying - things like travel, uniform, equipment, or trips.
There are two types of bursaries for eligible students, and the good news is they don’t need to be paid back. They’re here to help if money is tight and you need a bit of extra support to succeed 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:
- New students can apply from 16 June
- All returning students must reapply for a bursary for the new academic year – This will not transfer over
- It can take up to 8 weeks to process your bursary application
- Applications with the correct evidence submitted before the 1st August will be processed in time for the 1st September start
- Applications received after this date cannot be guaranteed to be approved by the 1st September which will effect any free meals allocation being issued.
You don’t need to meet all the criteria - if even one applies to you, you may qualify for financial support.
For more information, please read our 16-19 student finance policy (PDF, 274kb).
Student Support Fund (16-19)
This bursary is available to students whose parents/carers annual household income is under £40,000 and helps towards costs associated with studying at college including:
- Free access to the West Notts College Travel Scheme (if you study on campus for two or more days a week)
- Help with public transport costs (if there’s no suitable bus service available)
- Support with the cost of any mandatory kit or uniform
- Free college meals*
- Costs for exam resits
- 50% off travel costs for university interviews (UK only)
- UCAS application fees
- Up to £250 towards curriculum-based trips
- Support with childcare costs
- Other essential items.
T Level students only
In recognition of the requirement for T Level students to attend both college and mandatory industry placements, the College may provide support to help facilitate attendance
Transport support may available for students enrolled on T Level programmes with a household income of £55,000 or under.
Students who experience financial hardship in travelling to their placement may be eligible for additional support through a discretionary payment, subject to assessment.
Vulnerable Student Bursary
This bursary is available to students who are in care, a care leaver, living independently or in receipt of universal credit in their own name. It helps towards costs associated with studying at college including:
- Up to £1200, which could be a combination of the following;
- A student welcome pack
- Free access to the West Notts College Travel Scheme (if you study on campus for two or more days a week)
- Help with public transport costs (if there’s no suitable bus service available)
- Support with the cost of any mandatory kit or uniform
- Free college meals*
- Costs for exam resits
- 50% off travel costs for university interviews (UK only)
- UCAS application fees
- Up to £250 towards curriculum-based trips
- Support with childcare costs
- Other essential items.
Ready to apply for a bursary?
Applications for academic year 2026/2027 are now open. You can visit the portal at any time to check the status of your bursary application.
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 your household receives:
- Universal Credit with an income of £7,400 a year or less
- Universal Credit with no income
- Pension Credit (Guarantee element) with an income below £16,000.
Visit our main financial support page for more information.