Fees, Loans and Bursaries
From assistance with bursary funds, childcare fee support, transport to College and student loans.
Whatever your situation, Boston College aims to provide you with the best advice and guidance on financial support available, all designed to help you through your studies.
Financial Support for Learners aged 16-19
Course Fees
Students aged over 16 and under 19 on the 31st August of the year they start their course will not have to pay any course tuition fees on full time courses, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria,
For those students aged 19 on the 31st August of the year they start their course, fees will vary, but some concessions may be available depending on their circumstances.
16-19 Bursary Fund
The 16-19 Bursary Fund is provided by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and allows the College to help learners overcome specific financial barriers, so they can remain in education. Those aged 16-18 or over 19 and have an EHCP or over 19 and classed as a '19+ continuer' on the 31st August of the year the course starts, may qualify for help with transport, equipment, course materials, uniform, UCAS fees, educational trips and visits and food credit.Â
You can now apply for financial support via PayMyStudent. This is a secure cloud-based process. All you need to do is click on the link below and register, and then follow the instructions on screen. If you need support or advice, please contact 01205 313218 or email bursary@boston.ac.uk
👉 PayMyStudent
Boston College 24/25 Information for Applicants- 16-19 Bursary
Care to Learn
For parents aged under 20, who would like to start or return to learning, Care to Learn may be able to pay childcare costs.
Useful contact - 0800 121 8989, c2l@studentbursarysupport.co.uk or gov.uk/caretolearn
Extend your Child Benefit claim for your young person today!
It’s time for parents across the UK to extend their Child Benefit claim if their 16-19-year-old is staying in full-time non-advanced education or approved training. HMRC sent 1.4 million letters between 24 May and 17 July to parents, explaining how to extend their claim. If you haven’t received a letter, there’s no need to worry. You can still extend your Child Benefit via the HMRC app or online where eligible.Â
We know how important Child Benefit can be to families, so let HMRC know by 31 August if your teen intends to stay in approved education or training. Extending your Child Benefit ensures you won't miss out on any payments from 31 August. However, if your child changes their mind about further education or training, you can simply let HMRC know online or in the app and we’ll update our records and adjust any payments as needed. For parents who can’t extend their Child Benefit online, you can still do so by post or by phone.
Financial Support for Learners aged 19+
Course Fees
Boston College course fees vary for those students aged 19 and over, depending on current financial circumstances, previous qualifications and the chosen course of study.
Advanced Learner Loans
Those students studying a course at Level 3 or above may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan, which will help towards course fees. Similar to a student loan, no repayments will be made until they are earning over the threshold depending on the loan plan. Household income isn't taken into account and there's no credit check. Eligibility depends on the chosen course, nationality and age.
Before applying for a Advanced Learner Loan, we advise that you seek impartial financial advice, consider your own personal circumstances and look into all of the options available to you.
Useful contact > gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
The College has a two-week cooling off period where enrolments can be cancelled, however, you will incur a £50 cancellation fee. If you withdraw after the two-week cooling off period, payment of fees will still be required. Loan payments will cease, and you will owe the College the outstanding course fees.
Adult Education Budget
The Adult Education Budget is enabling more eligible adults to access FULL funding for courses up to Level 2 to break down the barriers between learning and course fees:Â
You may qualify for FREE Level 2 or below courses by meeting the following:
- Be aged 19 or older on the 31st August.Â
- Be either unemployed and receiving JSA, ESA or Universal Credit (subject to criteria) OR be earning less than £25,000 (annual gross salary) a year.
19+ Learner Support Fund
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) provides the College with funds through the Adult Education Budget (AEB) to help adult learners overcome financial barriers so they can start or stay in education. The fund can be used to help with transport, food credit, childcare fees, books, equipment, and when not covered by other types of funding or tuition fees, depending on your circumstances.
Financial Support for Childcare
Those students aged 20 and over who are parents can also apply for financial support for childcare in addition to the main 19+ and Loan Bursary application. The support can be used towards any childcare provider which is Ofsted registered.
For parents aged under 20, who would like to start or return to learning, Care to Learn may be able to pay childcare costs.
Useful contact - 0800 121 8989, c2l@studentbursarysupport.co.uk or gov.uk/caretolearn
Applying for Financial Support
You can now apply for financial support via PayMyStudent. This is a secure cloud-based process. All you need to do is click on the link and register, and then follow the instructions on screen. If you need support or advice, please contact 01205 313218 or email bursary@boston.ac.uk
👉 PayMyStudent
Boston College 24/25 Information for Applicants- 19+ Learner Support Fund (LSF)
Boston College 24/25 Information for Applicants- Loans Bursary Fund (LBF)
Financial Support for University Level Learners
Choosing to study a University Level course at Boston College can be considerably cheaper than going to university.
Student Loans
By studying a University Level course at Boston College, students are entitled to apply for a Student Loan through Student Finance England. The amount of the loan will depend on individual circumstances, and repayments will only start once you earn over £25,000 per year*
Before applying for a Student Loan, we advise that you seek impartial financial advice, consider your own personal circumstances and look into all of the options available to you.
Useful contact > gov.uk/studentfinance or 0300 100 0607Â
Useful contact > studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk
There is also an array of additional financial support available including:
- Maintenance Loans
- Disabled Students' Allowance
- Adult Dependants' Grant
- Parents' Learning Allowance
- Childcare Grant
*Providing eligibility criteria are met - contact Student Finance England on 0845 300 50 90 for more details.
Financial Support Scheme and Application
The College may also be able to offer financial support for University Level learners to help them succeed and progress with their learning. To check if you are eligible including partial fee waivers, please read our Higher Education Financial Support Scheme.
👉 PayMyStudent
Travelling to College
For information and options for travelling to College, please visit the 'Travelling to College' page.
Biometrics Cashless System
Boston College uses a cashless catering system so that you can buy food and drink in college without the need to carry cash. Download the Fusion Online Mobile app from your relevant app store, then after you enrol, we can register your finger (biometrics). As long as there is credit on your Fusion App, you’re good to go!Â
Instructions on how to use the app will be available on your VITAL page once you have enrolled.
Please note, if you are under 18, parental permission is required to scan your biometrics – please see below link to print a permission form, or collect one from main reception.
Bio-metrics Cashless System Permission Form
Financial Documents
To help you identify if you are required to pay fees for your course or should you require a refund for your course, please refer to our Tuition Fees and Refund Policy and ‘Refund Request Form’
If you wish to pay your fees by direct debit you will need to complete the Direct Debit Mandate in conjunction with the Direct Debit Policy.
For more information please refer to our Financial Support for Students Policy.
If your employer has agreed to pay your fees then you will need to fill in the 'Employer Agreement Form'.
The College may also be able to offer financial support for University Level learners to help them succeed and progress with their learning. To check if you are eligible including partial fee waivers, please read our Higher Education Financial Support Scheme.
Need Some More Advice?
If you need any additional information or if you have any further questions regarding fees, loans and bursaries, please call our Information Line on 01205 313218, or email info@boston.ac.uk who will be able to direct you to the most appropriate department.Â