Starting a Course at College, getting a little help?

Driving_Soon

Hey, I'm currently thinking about going to college in september to study for a level 3 Qualfication ( Btec ). I'm really keel to better my self and give my self a good furture ( I'm 19 ). And after this i could gain employment or even go to uni!

But the problem is .. what seems ot be a problem all through life! MONEY

Because I'm over 19, the course is going to cost £900! Which i feel is just madness! When talking to the college they said help could be given to me but i would have to research this on my own as they don't know there selfs . I explained that i live with my parents and my dad is my mums full time Carer, and they said that would help my case, but i have no idea where to start? I'd love to do this course, but I seriously can't afford £900!

If anyone know's who i get in contact with or where i even start, I'd be so greatful!

Titch89

Apparantely, there's a 19-25 concession. If you're 19-25 and don't have a level 3 qualification, then you get course fees reduced.

bestpud

Do you already have 5 GCSE's and/or 2 A levels?

You won't pay tuition fees if you don't already have a certain level of qualification already, so it depends on that as much as anything.

If you post what quals you have already then people will be able to tell you for definite.

Here's a link though:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/DG_10033130

I'm not sure if you would get the adult education grant but, again, someone on here will know. Here's the link for that too:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/DG_10033133

Titch89

You can get the adult learning grant if you're not receiving any means tested (income support, jobseeker's, housing beenfit, etc) benefits.

Driving_Soon

I have 2 C'S at GCSE Level, and a GNVQ Intermediate in IT.

Thanks for the links!

bestpud

Driving_Soon wrote: »

I have 2 C'S at GCSE Level, and a GNVQ Intermediate in IT.

Thanks for the links!

I forgot to ask which course you are looking to study too, and what level it is?

As those are level two qualifications, I think you will be ok so long as the course you want to do is not higher than level 3.

Or have you answered it yourself now, from the links?

Oldernotwiser

The level 3 concession is available to everyone, regardless of age, who is studying for their first full level 3 qualification, whether full or part time. In addition, if you're studying full time and aren't on benefits then you should be eligible for the £30 per week ALG. You can work part time as well without this money being affected. Hope this helps.

Please see my correction, belo, re age limits for level 3 entitlements.

bestpud

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

The level 3 concession is available to everyone, regardless of age, who is studying for their first full level 3 qualification, whether full or part time. In addition, if you're studying full time and aren't on benefits then you should be eligible for the £30 per week ALG. You can work part time as well without this money being affected. Hope this helps. (I cannot believe that your college doesn't know this, it's so basic!)

I don't know if I'm being dim (quite possibly! :rolleyes: ) but it says on the Directgov website that the level 3 concession is for people aged 25 or under.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/DG_10033130

If you don’t already have GCSEs, A levels or equivalent qualifications, you may be able to study for them without having to pay any tuition fees.

You’ll be able to get free tuition:

• for a course which leads to your first full Level 2 qualification
• if you’re 25 or under, for a course which leads to your first full Level 3 qualification

Oldernotwiser

Sorry, I seem to have given incorrect information. I worked somewhere where no upper age limit was being piloted. I thought this had gone nationwide by now but I was obviously wrong. Thanks for the correction.

Driving_Soon

Wow? So this is my first Level 3! and I am under 25! thats fantastic! and the £30 would really help me out aswel! I'm so shocked that the college did not know this!

Titch89

I'm in the same situation and one of the tutors is pretty convinced that I'll have to pay full fees.