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Will I have to pay for my course?

Understanding whether you need to pay for your course or qualify for a discount depends on various factors such as your age, residency status—whether you’re from the UK, the European Union (EU), or an international student—and other eligibility criteria.

Investing in your education at our college is a significant step toward achieving your career goals, whether you are aiming to enter the workforce, begin an apprenticeship, or pursue further studies at a university. We offer a diverse array of courses designed to meet your aspirations and empower your future.

Course fees and any additional expenses vary based on several factors, including the specific course you choose, your age, and your personal circumstances. Let us guide you through the options available to help manage these costs effectively, ensuring you can focus on your studies and career ambitions without financial worry.

If you are aged 16-18 at the start of your course and are either a UK/EU/EEA citizen or have resided in the UK/EU/EEA for at least three years prior to the start, you are eligible for free tuition and exam fees for courses leading to a qualification. While tuition is covered, you should be aware that there may be additional costs associated with your studies. These can include expenses for field trips, transport, recommended textbooks, and professional course kits.

These potential costs will be discussed during your interview, where we will also inform you of any financial support you may be eligible for. Additional financial assistance may be available to help manage these expenses, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to fully engage and succeed in their studies without financial strain. To find out more regarding financial support, please click here.

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If you’re aged 19 + you may need to pay tuition fees and exam fees for further education courses. Click on the table below to find out more

Aged between 19 & 23Aged 24+English & MathsJobseekers
Aged between 19 & 23?

You may be eligible for discounts on tuition and exam fees if you meet one or more of the following:

  • You do not already hold a full Level 2 qualification (five or more GCSEs at Grade A* to C; NVQ Level 2 or equivalent) you may be exempt from paying tuition fees and exam fees if you undertake an approved Entry Level or Level 1 qualification.
  • You do not already hold a full Level 2 Qualification (five or more GCSEs at Grade A* to C; NVQ Level 2 or equivalent) you may be exempt from paying tuition fees and exam fees if you undertake an eligible full Level 2 qualification or a full Level 3 qualification (certain courses only)
  • You do not already hold a full Level 3 qualification (an Access to Higher Education Course, BTEC National Certificate or Diploma, NVQ Level 3, or two or more A Levels or equivalent) you may be exempt from paying tuition fees and exam fees if you undertake an eligible full Level 3 qualification (certain courses only).
  • You may be exempt from paying tuition fees for Level 2 or 3 qualifications (certain courses only) if you are not employed and need training in order to improve your chances of getting a job AND are:
    • On Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) – including JSA National Insurance Credit only.
    • On Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in the Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG).
    • Receiving Universal Credit because you are unemployed and are mandated (required) to undertake skills training.
    • Receiving another form of state benefit – State Benefit includes Income Support, ESA (Support Group), Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Child Benefit amongst others. Please ask if you are unsure if your benefit applies.

You may be asked to complete a self-declaration form or provide proof of receiving benefit before enrolment.

Similarly, you may be eligible for ‘low wages’ funding and exempt from paying tuition fees for Level 2 or 3 qualifications (certain courses only) if you are in employment AND earning less than £18,525 annual gross salary and can provide adequate evidence of this (wage slip / employment contract etc.)

Learners on courses at Level 4 are not entitled to any Government funding for their course and will have to fund their own fees either through themselves, their employer, or an Advanced Learner Loan. Please note this applies to all learners on level 4 courses, even if you are in receipt of benefit or are earning under the £18,525 ‘low wages’ funding threshold.

If you are not exempt from paying fees:

– You can pay your course fees in full or ask to have an instalment plan set up to pay.

– You can also have you employer / sponsor pay your course fees if they wish to do so.
– You may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for your course. You will not have any fees to pay upfront and you’ll only repay when your income is over £524 a week, £2,274 a month or £27,295 a year (before tax and other deductions). Please note these figures are correct as of 19/05/2022 and further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan/when-you-start-repaying

You may be exempt from paying tuition fees for Level 2 or 3 qualifications (certain courses only) if you are not employed and need training in order to improve your chances of getting a job AND are:

  • On Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) – including JSA National Insurance Credit only.
  • On Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in the Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG).
  • Receiving Universal Credit because you are unemployed and are mandated (required) to undertake skills training.
  • Receiving another form of state benefit – State Benefit includes Income Support, ESA (Support Group), Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Child Benefit amongst others. Please ask if you are unsure if your benefit applies.

You may be asked to complete a self-declaration form or provide proof of receiving benefit before enrolment.

Similarly, you may be eligible for ‘low wages’ funding and exempt from paying tuition fees for Level 2 or 3 qualifications (certain courses only) if you are in employment AND earning less than £18,525 annual gross salary and can provide adequate evidence of this (wage slip / employment contract etc.)

National skills fund level 3 adult offer
You may be eligible for funding for certain Level 3 courses if you DO NOT already hold a full Level 3 qualification (an Access to Higher Education Course, BTEC National Certificate or Diploma, NVQ Level 3, or two or more A Levels or equivalent).

Learners on courses at Level 4 are not entitled to any Government funding for their course and will have to fund their own fees either through themselves, their employer, or an Advanced Learner Loan (if applicable). Please note this applies to all learners on level 4 courses, even if you are in receipt of benefit or are earning under the £18,525 ‘low wages’ funding threshold.

If you are not exempt from paying fees:

– You can pay your course fees in full or ask to have an instalment plan set up to pay.

– You can also have you employer / sponsor pay your course fees if they wish to do so.
– You may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for your course. You will not have any fees to pay upfront and you’ll only repay when your income is over £524 a week, £2,274 a month or £27,295 a year (before tax and other deductions). Please note these figures are correct as of 19/05/2022 and further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan/when-you-start-repaying

If you are aged 19 and over and wish to study Maths or English qualifications (including GCSE) and do not already hold a C grade (or equivalent) or higher in the subject that you are studying at GCSE, you will be exempt from paying tuition fee and exam fees.

You may be exempt from paying tuition fees for Level 2 or 3 qualifications (certain courses only) if you are not employed and need training in order to improve your chances of getting a job AND are:

  • On Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) – including JSA National Insurance Credit only.
  • On Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in the Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG).
  • Receiving Universal Credit because you are unemployed and are mandated (required) to undertake skills training.
  • Receiving another form of state benefit – State Benefit includes Income Support, ESA (Support Group), Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Child Benefit amongst others. Please ask if you are unsure if your benefit applies.

You may be asked to complete a self-declaration form or provide proof of receiving benefit before enrolment.

Please refer to the relevant 19-23 or 24+ sections, depending on your age, for further advise.

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Your course fees will be confirmed on application. You will also need to pay your registration and exam fees.

Please note: that it is your responsibility for the payment of any outstanding fees (unless the reason for withdrawal is due to illness, redundancy or leaving the area during the first 3 weeks when half the fees will be payable).

Students completing a University Level course (Higher Education) are entitled to applying for a student loan for both full-time and part-time courses. Loans need to be paid back but not usually until you have graduated and are earning a good salary. Click here to find out about loans for full-time courses and loans for part-time courses.

Fees and Finance Team

E: FE-FinanceAndFees@blc.ac.uk

T: 0800 074 0099 (request a call back from the Fees Team)