Is there any financial help available to mature college students??

[Inkie]

I am 29 and about to start college to study an access to higher education course (full time). I have looked online for information regarding finanial help but can't seem to find much. Does anybody know if there is any financial help I can get while studying for this course??

[WoWo]

I don't have a definitive answer for you but would imagine the answer is no, when I studied a similar level of course a few years ago and benefits, grants etc etc were only ever available to Degree level students.

[Buenchico]

See here
http://www.ucas.com/students/maturestudents/mo ney
and here:
http://www.ucas.com/students/studentfinance/

Chris

[Buenchico]

Oops!

I forgot this one:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearni ng/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance /FinanceForNewStudents/DG_069884

Chris

[Buenchico]

Relevant (but not likely to make you happy):
http://www.nus.org.uk/en/Campaigns/Further-Edu cation/The-True-Cost-of-College-/

[meltoadhall]

my husband is in the middle of the same course, if you have never at any level 2 course ie a levels the course should be free.
depending if you are on any benefits you may be entitled to an extra �15 a week, plus most colleges will give you up to �50 towards books
depending on circumstances travelling expenses too

council tax will be reduced 25% if there is more than you in the household or free if its just you living there.

[singapore54]

I am a mature student in North Wales in Full Time employment doing a HNC in engineering and I got a grant from the local education authority. In my case everyone earning less that �26000 got a grant. Having said that my course is day release but each case is assessed on its own. If I were you I would contact the college and the education authority in your area. I got a grant and all vey painless and quoite quick much to my suprise. I had to supply my birth cert and my last P60 and that wasit.