Financial support - Students aged 16-18

If you're aged 16–18 (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:

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.

For more information, please read our 16-18 student finance policy (PDF, 274kb).

Student Support Fund (16-18)

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.

Vulnerable Student Bursary

This bursary is available to students who are in care, 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
- and/or attendance related bursary payment per week (assessed award value)
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.