We may be able to help you cover the costs of studying at Gateshead College.
If you are struggling to cover the cost of coming to college, we may be able to help.
Funds are available to assist financially disadvantaged learners through one of two Government-backed bursaries – Higher Rate and Discretionary alongside Free College Meals.
What is a Higher Rate Bursary?
If you are aged under 19 years old on 31st August 2023 and fall into one of the categories below, you may be eligible for a Higher Rate Bursary worth up to £1,200 per academic year:
Students are not automatically entitled to £1,200 per year. We will assess your application to identify an actual financial need. It may be the case that you receive a reduced amount or no award at all.
You may receive a monthly amount paid into your bank account, towards your meals and general college expenses. College will also look at helping you with other costs such as kit/uniform/books. You may request that college provide you with travel support providing you live more than 2 miles away, but this cost will be deducted from your Bursary.
What is a Discretionary Bursary?
If you do not qualify for a Higher Rate Bursary, you may still be entitled to discretionary funds to help with the cost of coming to college.
We will need to see your parents/carers’ income if you are aged between 16-18 at 31st August 2023 or 19-24 with EHCP.
To be eligible for above you:
We may be able to give you help towards the following:
Free College Meals
You will be eligible to support towards the cost of food while you are at college. If you are aged under 19 on 31st August 2023 or 19-24 with EHCP and meet the criteria below.
A food allowance of £3.75 will be available each day that you are timetabled to attend, including work placements.
Alongside your age, and you (if you are living independently) or your parents/carers are in receipt of one of the following:
For more information please see 16-18 Info Booklet & Terms & Conditions.
Our online application system allows you to apply, access and view your bursary payments easily and securely. With the online portal you'll be able to see any upcoming payments and view your payments status.
In order to set up an account with PayMyStudent you need your Student Number. If you do not know your Student Number please contact us by email [email protected] or call 0191 4904627.
Childcare Support – Care to Learn
If you are under 20 at the start of your course and need help with childcare costs, you can apply to Care to Learn.
This scheme is not means tested and you just have to use registered childcare. For further information telephone 0800 121 8989 or go to www.gov.uk/care-to-learn to apply online. Please ask if you need assistance.
If you need help finding childcare provider you can contact your Local Authority.
Travel Information
For information about tickets available and discounts go to:
For students with disabilities or learning difficulties visit www.nexus.org.uk/ticket-information/concessions/disabled-adults
Contact the Support Funds Team
For information about student funding contact:
Support Funds Team
Baltic Campus
Quarryfield Road
Gateshead
NE8 3BE
0191 490 4627
When you apply online, you will be asked to upload evidence of your/parents’ income.
Your application may take up to 14 working days to process. We will email or write to you with a decision. Please ensure, where possible, that you submit your application in plenty of time before you start your course. You need to ensure you can fund AT LEAST 2-3 WEEKS travel to college.
You may also want to purchase your own equipment/kit/uniform before starting the course as awards will not be processed until you are confirmed as attending your course.
All eligible students have the right to request a review of the initial assessment. If funds are depleted, or the individual or the course is not eligible for support, there are no grounds for a review or appeal. Details will be in your notification letter.