One of the most difficult things about studying today is coping on a limited budget.

This section aims to explain all the different forms of help available and how to access them for both Further Education (FE) students: (GCSEs, A Levels, Entry Level to Level 3), and Higher Education (HE) students: (HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees, Degrees and MAs).

Student Accommodation
While Swindon College does not have its own halls of residence, we do have a service for students looking for somewhere to live while they study. Click here for guidelines on finding student accommodation in Swindon.
Contact us on (01793) 498936 or email: studentaccommodation@swindon-college.ac.uk more information.

The Student Finance Team are based in The Avenue, Phoenix Building and offer advice on the Access to Learning Fund, FE student finance help and Childcare financial support and other related financial information for students.

Further Education (FE) Fees
Students under 19 at the start of the course do not have to pay full-time tuition fees. Full-time tuition fees for students aged 19+ depend on the course. Students aged 24+ who want to study Further Education (up to Level 3) can access a loan to cover course fees. Repayments on the loan do not start until you are earning £21,000 per year. For more information, click here. Please contact our enrolment team in Student Services for details of fees for the course you are interested in studying. If you are on certain benefits, these fees may be waived.

You may have to pay examination, registration and materials fees on top. You can apply for help with financial support for these costs.

There are fees for part-time FE courses. If you receive certain benefits then tuition fees may be waived. You may still be liable for any other fees, such as exams, but you also can apply for financial support towards these costs.
Students studying for less than six hours will not normally be eligible for help. Exceptions may be made for childcare or high travel/equipment costs. This may be subject to change for future academic years.

16-19 Fund
Students aged 16-19 can apply for financial support to help them while they are studying at college. For full information please click here.

The National Scholarship Programme
The National Scholarship Programme (NSP) will be available to benefit students entering higher education (university-level) from autumn 2013. Currently there are no further specific details available to Swindon College students, in terms of who will be eligible or other criteria.

As soon as details are confirmed, they will be published here. Please check back periodically for further updates.

Career Development Loans
This is a deferred repayment loan providing individuals with help to fund vocational education or training. You must be aged 18 or over. For more information please click here or call the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900.

Childcare
If you wish to apply for help towards the cost of childcare whilst you are studying then help may be available through financial support or the Care To Learn scheme (please ask Student Finance for more information).

The college also has its own Ofsted Grade 1 nursery, “Little Stars” at North Star. For further information on please contact the Nursery Manager, on Tel: 01793 498430.
 
TRAVEL
Buses
Students who live over three miles from college may be eligible for a free bus pass. Please contact your Local Education Authority for further information:
- Swindon: (01793) 466213
- Wiltshire: (01225) 757575
- Oxfordshire: (01865) 323993
- West Berkshire: (01635) 519777

Rail Cards
Students are entitled to reduced-fare travel on trains. For more information call the National Rail Network on Tel: 08457 484950 or go to your local station and ask for details.

If, after reading this page, you have any further questions please contact the Student Finance Team:

Tel: (01793) 498228 / 498463
studentfinance@swindon-college.ac.uk

Student Finance Coordinators - Sue Woolhouse & Melissa Cogzell