Financial support 16-19
The 16-19 Bursary Fund helps young people who face the greatest barriers to continue in education or training; they must be over 16 but under 19 on 31st August 2022 to be eligible for the 2022 – 2023 academic year.
16 – 19 Bursary fund statement
The fund has two elements:
- A bursary of up to £1,200 a year for young people in the following defined vulnerable groups:
- in care
- care leavers
- receiving Income Support (IS), or Universal Credit (UC) because they are financially supporting themselves or financially supporting themselves and someone who is dependent on them and living with them, such as a child or partner
- receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in their own right as well as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or UC in their own right
- Discretionary awards to young people facing the greatest financial barriers to participation.
If you’re 19 and over
You could also get a bursary if you either:
If you are under 19 at the start of your course and are on benefits or have a net household income of £35,000 or less you will be able to apply online using the link below.
Application evidence requirements
Bursaries are assessed on an individual need’s basis, in order to assess your needs, we require clear and accurate evidence attached at the online application stage. This could include:
- Three most recent bank statements or payslips to prove household income
- for students who are in care or a care leaver, written confirmation of their current or previous looked-after status from the relevant local authority – this is the local authority that looks after them or provides their leaving care services. The evidence could be a letter or an email but must be clearly from the local authority
- for students in receipt of UC or IS, a copy of their UC or IS award notice. This must clearly state that the claim is in the student’s name/confirm they are entitled to the benefits in their own right. The evidence must not state any conditions that prevent them from participating in further education or training. For students in receipt of UC, institutions must also see a document such as a tenancy agreement in the student’s name, a child benefit receipt, children’s birth certificates, utility bills and so on
- for students receiving UC/ESA and DLA and PIP, a copy of their UC claims from DWP. Evidence of receipt of DLA or PIP must also be provided
In 2022/23 If you are eligible, we could help with:
- 100% of the cost of travel requirements
- 75% of the cost of recommended equipment and material fees
Applications for recommended costs, i.e. equipment, fees and transport are considered a priority and will be processed at or after enrolment.
Payments
If you are successful in your application, you will be required to submit travel receipts which will be reimbursed weekly, directly to a bank account which must be in your own name.
How to apply
Once you have enrolled onto a programme, in order to apply for support funds, you will need to complete the 16-19 support fund application form, available here.
Childcare may be supported through the ‘care to learn’ scheme. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/care-to-learn/overview
