Financial Incentives 2019-2020

Going to college is more achievable than you think with financial support available to many students.  The following schemes are available to assist you:

Welsh Government Learning Grant for Further Education

(Previously known as Assembly Learning Grant)

You can apply for a Welsh Government Learning Grant for Further Education (WGLGFE) of up to £1500 to help with the cost of studying.  You may be eligible for a WGLGFE if:

• You are aged 19 or over on 1 September 2019
• Your household income is £18,370 or less
• You meet the residence and nationality rules set out for the WGLGFE
• You are attending an approved full time (15 hours per week) or part time (8 hours per week).  This must involve at least 275 hours of study.
• You are studying a Further Education Course
• You are not receiving funding for your course from another source

Applications forms are available from Student Finance (Cash Office) and Student Finance Wales at www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/wglgfe or 0300 200 40 50

Educational Maintenance Allowance

You can apply for and Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) of £30 a week (paid fortnightly) if you decide to study at college.  You may be eligible for EMA if:

• You are aged 16,17 or 18 years of age on the 1^st September 2019
• You meet the residence and nationality rules set out for the EMA
• You attend a eligible course at a school or college which involves at least 12 hours or more study per week
• Live in a household that has an annual income of £20,817 or less per year (£23,077 if more than one young person in household)

Applications forms are available from Student Services and Student Finance Wales at www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/ema or 0300 200 40 50

Financial Contingency Fund

The Financial Contingency Fund (FCF) is a means tested grant for students who are experiencing financial hardship.  Students can be assisted with childcare costs, college excursions, books, equipment, transport and examination / registration fees.  You are eligible to apply whether you are on a full or part-time course and all applications are considered on an individual basis.  This fund is means-tested and depends on your financial hardship and personal circumstances.  Evidence must be provided.

Free Meals

Students must be 18 or under on the 1^st September 2018 and on a full time course.  Student or parent(s) of student must be in receipt of State Benefits.  Evidence must be provided.

Transport

All students aged 16, 17 or 18 years on September 1st, who are attending full time course at the college, live in the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough and reside three miles or more from the college, will be eligible for free transport.  For those students attending the college who reside outside of the County Borough will need to contact your home local authority to determine the transport arrangements that apply from that area.  If students are refused transport by their local authority please contact the Cash Office for further information.

Students 19 and over will have to find the own way to college and reclaim their travel expenses.  This fund is means-tested and depends on your financial hardship and personal circumstances.  Evidence must be provided.

A refund of travel expenses can be paid in respect of:-

• Cost of bus or train to and from college (maximum of £6 per day – receipts must be provided and will be paid weekly in arrears)
• A mileage allowance of 12.5p per mile (maximum of £6 per day –  will be paid weekly in arrears)

For further information please contact Nichola Freeman   (Student Finance – Cash Office, Ground Floor)

Please note that all information was correct at the time of print but may be subject to change.