Wana help my gf get student help ...

lawtz04

My girlfriend has recently had to switch courses at the last minute. She was due to do a degree but the college messed up. She was gettin a 2k grant for this. Now shes got to sort things out real quick and is looking like she will go on a 1year BTEC national diploma course. The only thing is this doesnt qualify her for her grant and the course costs £800. Any know if its possible to get an financial help for doing btec dimplomas? x

Moon~Shadow

Your GF may be able to apply for a 'bursary' or help from the 'hardship fund' which Student Services should be able to tell her about.

I know many Colleges offer an instalment plan with costs of courses over £300 as I had one. Is she doing it Full-time? Many F/T courses at College are free, Is she on any Benefits - as she would qualify for discount/free course? failing that it might be worth contacting your LEA for further advice.

Sorry I can't be more help but this is the sort of help available in my area.

lawtz04

thanks for your help. I prob should have explained more ...

She is 22 so I guess its adult education?

She is going to do a btec national dip at south devon college, devon.

She lives at home with parents and isnt on any kind of benefits but doesnt have a job at present.

She hasn't got any children.

ummm anything else?

Any advice anyone else?

Thanks alot Moon!
Si

Moon~Shadow

Hi, if it is a BTEC Diploma it will be full-time. It will be worth checking with the College about the fees. All the FT ones at my local College are FREE and it doesn't depend on your age.

If she is not working she should enquire about Income Based Job Seekers Allowance which will allow her FREE/Discounted courses.

If it is Adult Education, which I don't think it is, usually involves attending a school in the evening to study - again she will be entitled to some help - I have been in the same position when I was unemployed and got ALL my Adult Ed courses FREE.

If she lives more than 3 miles (I think) from the College she may be able to apply for FREE Public Transport to attend - again this is available in my area.

I really think she should contact South Devon College and speak to someone in Student Services re the fees. I'm not sure if all Education establishments operate the same but I have never known it to be different and I've been studying for over 10 years.

I'm now in my final year of a BSc at Uni but also work FT and my motto is 'if you don't ask, you will never find out'.

Hope you get something sorted.

South Devon College,
Vantage Point, Long Road,
Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EJ

Main Switchboard:
01803 540540
Helpzone Freephone:
08000 380123
Email: enquiries@southdevon.ac.uk

Moon~Shadow

lawtz04 wrote:

My girlfriend has recently had to switch courses at the last minute. She was due to do a degree but the college messed up. She was gettin a 2k grant for this. Now shes got to sort things out real quick and is looking like she will go on a 1year BTEC national diploma course. The only thing is this doesnt qualify her for her grant and the course costs £800. Any know if its possible to get an financial help for doing btec dimplomas? x

There is an Adult Learning Grant for people aged 19 - 30 studying Level 2 or 3 (BTEC I believe is a 3) - you may be eligible for up to £30 per week. may also qualify for Learner Support Funds to contibute towards fees, books etc but recommend apply soon as funds limited.

Bus service also available via Stagecoach Devon network (Gold Rider Ticket). Mentions travelling for £1 per day. All info taken from their FT Prospectus.

Nile

Hello lawtz04

I'll move your thread over to the 'Student Moneysaving' board.

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Regards

Nile

mhoc

Also see if there is a student welfare officer.

Also get some advice about other things she may need to pay for eg exams, books etc

What about trying to get a student account with a free overdraft?

Mary