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 (Further Education)
You could receive up to £1,500 to help with the cost of studying.
You may be eligible if you:
- Are aged 19 or over on 1 September 2020
- 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/wglgfe
📞 Or call: 0300 200 40 50
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
Receive £30 per week (paid fortnightly) while studying.
You may be eligible if you:
- Are aged 16–18 on 1 September 2020
- Study at least 12 hours per week
- Live in a household with income under £20,817 (£23,077 with more than one young person)
- Meet residency and nationality criteria
📄 Apply at studentfinancewales.co.uk/ema
📞 Or call: 0300 200 40 50
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
- College trips
📄 Apply via the FCF form (available at enrolment). Evidence required.
Free Meals
Students aged 18 or under on 1 September 2020 and on a full-time course may be eligible.
- £3.20 per day is added to your student card
- Must be in receipt of state benefits
- Apply through the FCF form with evidence
Travel Support
Free Transport (Ages 16–18)
If you:
- Live in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough
- Are aged 16–18 on 1 September 2020
- Live 3+ miles from college
- Are on a full-time course
📄 Apply at enrolment via the Cash Office.
Live outside Merthyr?
Contact your local authority for transport options:
| Local Authority | 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 (evidence required).
Reimbursable travel costs include:
- Bus/train fares (receipts required)
- Mileage allowance (13p per mile)
📧 Contact:
- Gillian Harris – g.harris2@merthyr.ac.uk
Course Costs
- Full-time students under 19: Tuition is free (some courses may have material costs)
- Part-time students under 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
- If the college cancels a course, a full refund (excluding exam/registration fees) will be issued
- If a student withdraws after 28 days, full fees apply
- Refunds must be requested via a Refund of Course Fees Form
Higher Education Refunds follow University of South Wales guidelines:
- Up to 5 Oct: 0%
- 6 Oct – 4 Jan: 25%
- 5 Jan – 19 Apr: 50%
- After 20 Apr: 100%
