Finance and Travel Support
At The College Merthyr Tydfil, we’re committed to making education accessible. Our Finance Team is here to support you with expert advice on funding, travel, and managing the costs of college life.
Financial Support Available
Welsh Government Learning Grant (FE)
You could receive up to £1,919 for a full time course, or up to £959 for a part time course dependent on your income.
You may be eligible if you:
- Are aged 19 or over on 1 September 2025
- Have a household income of £18,370 or less
- Are studying a full-time (15+ hrs/week) or part-time (8+ hrs/week) FE course
- Meet residency and nationality criteria
- Are not receiving funding from another source
📄 Apply online at studentfinancewales.co.uk/further-education-funding
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
Receive £40 per week (paid fortnightly) while studying.
You may be eligible if you:
- Are aged 16–18 on 1 September 2025
- Study at least 12 hours per week
- Live in a household with income under £23,400 (£25,974 with more than one young person)
- Meet residency and nationality criteria
📄 Apply at studentfinancewales.co.uk/further-education-funding
Financial Contingency Fund (FCF)
A means-tested grant to support students facing financial hardship. It can help with:
- Childcare
- Transport
- Equipment and books
-
Exam and registration fees
📄 Apply online via the college website (Pay my Student)
Free Meals
Students aged 25 or under on 1 September 2020 and on a full-time course may be eligible.
- £5.00 per day is added to your student card
- Must be in receipt of state benefits
📄 Apply online via the college website (Pay my Student)
Travel Support
Free Transport (Ages 16–18)
If you:
-
Live over 3 miles from college
-
Are aged 16–18 on 1 September 2025
-
Are on a full-time course
Apply directly to your local authority
|
Local Authority
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Phone
|
Website
|
|---|---|---|
|
Merthyr Tydfil
|
01685 726256
|
|
|
Powys
|
01597 826477
|
powys.gov.uk
|
|
RCT
|
01443 494853
|
rctcbc.gov.uk
|
|
Caerphilly
|
01443 864841
|
caerphilly.gov.uk
|
|
Blaenau Gwent
|
01495 355435
|
blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
|
If your application is refused, the college may reimburse travel costs through the FCF Fund
📄 Apply online via the college website (Pay my Student)
Reimbursable travel costs include:
- Bus/train fares (receipts required)
- Mileage allowance (13p per mile)
📧 Contact:
-
Cash Office – cashoffice@merthyr.ac.uk
Course Costs
- Full-time students under 19: Tuition is free (some courses may have material costs)
- Part-time students under 19: Exam, and registration fees apply
-
A direct debit scheme is available to spread the cost
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Full-time students over 19: Tuition is free (some courses may have material costs)Part-time students over 19: Tuition,Exam, and registration fees apply
-
A direct debit scheme is available to spread the cost
Scholarships and Bursaries
We offer a range of awards for learners progressing from Merthyr Tydfil schools:
- Academic Excellence Scholarship (7+ A grades)
- Inspirational Learner of the Year
- Vocational Excellence Award
- Sporting Excellence Award
- Welsh Valleys Engineering Project Ambassador Bursary
📧 Register interest: Shelby Berry – s.berry@merthyr.ac.uk
Refund Policy
Further Education
-
If the college cancels a course, a full refund will be issued
- If a student withdraws after 28 days, full fees apply
-
Refunds must be requested via the cash office📧 Contact:
-
Cash Office – cashoffice@merthyr.ac.uk
- Up to 1st Oct: 0%
-
End of 1st Term: 25%
-
End of 2nd Term: 50%
-
Start of 3rd Term : 100%
