Pembrokeshire College Student Finance: A Guide

Navigating student finance can feel daunting, but understanding your options is key to successfully funding your education at Pembrokeshire College. This guide outlines the main sources of funding available to students and provides resources to help you through the application process.

Further Education (FE) Funding

For students undertaking further education courses (e.g., GCSEs, A-Levels, BTECs) at Pembrokeshire College, funding differs depending on age and circumstances. Generally, tuition fees are free for students aged 16-18 who are residents in Wales. Students may also be eligible for:

• Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA): A weekly allowance for eligible 16-19 year olds from lower-income households to help with living costs while studying.
• Financial Contingency Fund (FCF): Provides support for unexpected costs such as travel, childcare, or equipment, subject to eligibility criteria and availability of funds. This is applied for directly through the college.
• Welsh Government Learning Grant FE: This grant can help with the cost of learning, for example, equipment, books, childcare or travel. Students need to be aged 19 or over on the first day of their course and meet certain criteria.

Contact Pembrokeshire College’s Student Services for detailed information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for FE funding.

Higher Education (HE) Funding

For students pursuing higher education courses (e.g., Foundation Degrees, HNDs) at Pembrokeshire College, funding is primarily provided through Student Finance Wales. Eligible students can apply for:

• Tuition Fee Loan: Covers the full cost of tuition fees, paid directly to Pembrokeshire College. Repayments begin after you graduate and earn above a certain threshold.
• Maintenance Loan: Helps with living costs such as accommodation, food, and travel. The amount you receive depends on your household income and where you study.
• Welsh Government Learning Grant HE: Non-repayable grant to help towards living costs for eligible students. The amount depends on household income and other factors.

Applications for Student Finance Wales are made online through the Student Finance Wales website. It is crucial to apply early, well before the start of your course, to ensure funding is in place when you need it.

Additional Support

Pembrokeshire College offers additional support to students facing financial hardship. This includes:

• Hardship Funds: Discretionary funds available to students experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties.
• Bursaries and Scholarships: Opportunities may exist for bursaries or scholarships based on academic merit or specific course criteria. Contact the college for details.
• Benefits Advice: The college can offer guidance on eligibility for benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Support.

Important Resources

• Pembrokeshire College Student Services: Your first point of contact for all student finance queries.
• Student Finance Wales: Apply online for HE funding and find comprehensive information on eligibility and repayment.
• Welsh Government: Information on EMA and other relevant funding schemes.

Don’t hesitate to contact Pembrokeshire College Student Services for personalised advice and support with your student finance application. Planning ahead and understanding your options will help you focus on your studies and achieve your academic goals.