Financial Support
We know that the cost of travel, kit, equipment, meals or childcare can sometimes feel like a barrier. At Coastland College, we want every student to feel supported, which is why a range of bursaries and financial help is available for those who meet the criteria.
Funding comes from the Government and the College, and is awarded based on financial need.
While being eligible doesn’t guarantee an award, the aim is to help with some of the essential costs of attending college. Awards are discretionary and depend on continued satisfactory attendance.
The College receives limited funds for bursaries; once these funds are exhausted, no further bursaries will be issued.
Types of Bursaries Available
- 16–19 Discretionary Bursary – for students aged 16 or over but under 19 on August 31st 2025, or up to 25 with an EHCP
- Vulnerable Bursary – for students aged 16–18 who meet the national vulnerable groups criteria
- Advanced Learner Loan Bursary – for students aged 19+ who have taken out an Advanced Learner Loan. This helps with course-related costs while you study.
- 19+ Learner Support (Hardship Fund) – for students aged 19+ on August 31st 2025 who are not receiving an Advanced Learner Loan, but still need financial help to continue their studies.
How to apply for financial support
An online bursary application form is available to download. Once completed please email this to bursary@kmc.ac.uk.
Supporting evidence must be provided before your application can be assessed (photographs are accepted).
Once you have been offered a place, you’ll receive an email containing your bursary application link.
Upload all required evidence before your application can be reviewed.
Your application will be processed by our Student Engagement team and you’ll receive your decision via email. You must accept and sign your bursary award notice before any support can be applied.
If your application is unsuccessful, we’ll explain why and guide you through the appeals process if needed. Please note that receiving a different award to another student is not grounds for appeal.
What bursaries can help with
Free College Meals
For eligible students, a free meal will be provided by the College each weekday. These will be available when you are timetabled to be at College, including any off-site trips, and work placements within term time.
To receive these, you must be in receipt of, or have parents/carers who have one or more of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC))
- Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after someone stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit (UC) with net earnings not exceeding the equivalent of £7,400 for each year (after tax and not including any benefits they get)
Transitional protections apply to those that were eligible for Free School Meals in the academic year prior to moving into Further Education, meaning they will be eligible until the end of academic year for Free College Meals. An application must still be made.
College Transport
Your bursary may help reduce the cost of bus passes or college transport. See full details of Travel & Transport costs here.
Fuel Subsidy
Fuel subsidy may be offered to students travelling by car, based on your home-to-college travel distance and attendance – please speak to the Student Engagement team to check if you are eligible. Refund payments to cover fuel will be issued on a half-termly basis on the presentation of relevant receipts. Please ensure that you write your name clearly on each receipt.
Technology Support
Support may be available to students who require digital equipment for their course:
- Loan laptops available for eligible students
- Students with a household income of £20,000 or below may request a bursary-funded laptop
Kit & Clothing Support
This may be available for households with a combined income of up to £35,000. This includes:
- Refunds up to £150 per year (with receipts)
- Hair & Beauty students may receive a kit worth £450
- Higher amounts may be awarded in special circumstances
- Vulnerable bursary students may have kit/clothing purchased directly by the College
20+ Childcare (DLS & ALLB)
For students aged 20+ who have children, support may be available to help with childcare costs. Childcare must be Ofsted-registered and term-time only – meals and holiday cover are not included.
Under 20 Childcare (Care to Learn)
Students under 20 can apply for childcare support through the national Care to Learn scheme – visit the website or call 0800 121 8989.
What bursaries cannot cover
Bursary funds cannot be used for:
- Exam fees
- General clothing
- Non-essential equipment
- Non-essential trips
