16-19 Bursary fund

At North Devon College, we understand that the cost of studying can be challenging, which is why our bursary support is here to help eligible learners with the financial pressures of Further Education. The bursary fund can provide assistance with essential course-related costs such as travel, kit, equipment, uniform and books, a free College Meal Allowance, Childcare, and other course-related costs - depending on individual circumstances and eligibility criteria.

Bursary support is means-tested and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage early applications to prevent any disappointment. To be considered, you must complete all sections of the application form in full, via your PayMyStudent portal. You are also required to upload all supporting evidence when requested and will need to complete any additional questionnaires sent to you on the front dashboard of your PayMyStudent portal.

Your application will not be assessed unless it is fully complete, signed, and supported by the correct evidence and questionnaires applicable. Incomplete applications will result in delays or may not be processed until fully complete.

Bursary decisions will be based on a learner’s actual need and individual circumstances and an individual assessment of a learner’s financial needs will be made to determine this. All bursary payments are subject to satisfactory attendance, progression and behaviour. On-going attendance above 85% must be achieved in order for a bursary payment to be received.

To begin your bursary application, please click here.

Evidence required:

(Please check the evidence criteria for the appropriate Bursary) and upload your evidence via your PayMyStudent portal

Means Tested Benefits

If you receive any of the benefits listed below, you will need to supply an official letter from the awarding organisation (e.g. Benefits Agency, The Pension Service). This needs to be dated within the last three months.

• Income Support
• Income based Job Seekers Allowance
• Employment Support Allowance (ESA - Income related)
• Pension Credits (Guarantee Credit Element
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Universal Credit

Please screenshot all details contained within your 3 latest payment periods on your online UC portal, including the recipient's name, address, payment dates, the amount received, the breakdown of how it has been calculated, any deductions applicable and any earnings received within each payment period.

The Advice and Guidance Team will determine your estimated annual income by adding the amount of Universal Credit received each period to the amount of income earned each period, to calculate an overall income for each of the three payment periods provided. This will be added together and multiplied by 4 to get an estimated annual income total, which will be used to assess if you meet the bursary criteria low-income thresholds. Please ensure all details provided cover all of the elements as needed and are clearly visible.

Tax Credits

If you are receiving Tax Credits, please submit your most recent Tax Credit Award Notice. We will need to see the whole of the front page that shows your name and address and the page that shows your income for the financial year. (This is normally on page 2 or 3). Please upload screenshots or pictures of these two pieces of evidence.  

Employed

If you are Employed, we will need to see one of the following:

• Three of your most recent payslips.
• Your P60.
• Tax Credit Award Notice (see above for evidence required).

Self-employed

If you are self-employed, please upload evidence of your most recent tax return.