Money Matters

The following information is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the student's status at the time of enrolment.

How much will it cost?

Home students under 19 years of age on 1 September on their year of entry may be asked to pay:

• Student ID card fee The majority of students attending the College will have to pay this fee (£25 in 2009/2010). The Student ID card enables students to access College buildings and resources, such as borrowing books and laptops, from our well stocked and equipped Learning Centres.
• Resources fee This covers the cost of essential course materials and is payable on certain courses.

Generally speaking, for home students who are under 19 years old on 1 September on their year of entry to the College, tuition fees and examination fees are FREE as they are funded. The cost of their course will depend on their fee status, which depends on a number of factors such as residency. Normally, they are a 'home student' if they are an EU/EEA national and have been resident in an EU/EEA country for the three years prior to 1 September on their year of entry to the College and have no restrictions on their stay in the UK. There are other ways for meeting the criteria of home student status and everyone is given individual advice at enrolment.

Students will be asked to provide evidence of their residency and/or nationality/immigration status at the point of enrolment and/or when they come to their interview. They will need to bring some documents such as a passport, national ID card or immigration paperwork. They will be advised by our Course Advisors of any estimated costs that they may be charged for their chosen programme of study. Any cost details they are given, which relate to a course of two or three years' duration, will be for the first year only.

It is likely that they will be asked to pay costs at a similar level (subject to an annual increase) for each subsequent year. They will need to consider this if they have to pay fees and are applying for a course of more than one year in length.

What financial help is available?

We understand that there are a number of expenses that students may have that come with taking any College course. With this in mind they may also apply for a small grant towards the costs of books and equipment. However, funds are limited and they should apply early.

There is also help available for those students who require assistance with the everyday living costs associated with studying in a further education college. For more information based on their own individual circumstances they can call 0870 060 9800.

What is EMA?

EMA stands for Education Maintenance Allowance. It is a weekly payment worth up to £30 for students who are aged 16-18 and planning to continue in further education. There are also bonuses of £100 if students remain on their course and make good progress with their learning. If their application is successful payments will be made direct to the student's bank account.

Students may be entitled to EMA if:

• They are 16-18 years of age
• Their parent/guardian's household income is £30,810 (for 2009/2010) or below
• They are on a further education course. For example, A-Level, GCSE, Diploma in school sixth form, Sixth Form College or FE College

EMA is paid in addition to other support and benefit provided by the Government. The student's family will not lose out on other money if they receive EMA. It will not affect their parent's Child Benefit or any money that they earn from a part-time job.

To receive EMA the student must attend all of their course sessions on time and sign an EMA contract with Westminster Kingsway College. This contract will tell them exactly what is expected of them in terms of attendance, coursework and progress. Please contact Course Information on 0870 060 9800 for further information.

Students who are aged 16 and 17 years old and who enter full-time study receive free Bus and Tram fares. If they live too far away from the College for bus travel and need help with train fares, they can apply to their Local Authority for financial help. It is best for them to try and apply before they start their course in September.

Childcare

If a student is under 20 years old and is a parent, they may be able to get help with childcare costs through a scheme called 'Care2Learn'. Call 0845 600 2809 for further information.