Funding Non-Advanced Courses
It can often be possible to study whilst in receipt of certain benefits. If you
intend to study full-time at college, please contact the Student Information Centre
for further advice regarding the relationship between your benefit entitlement and
other types of student support.
Detailed below are common examples of how it can be possible to study whilst on
benefit.
New Deal for Lone Parents (NDLP)
You can join New Deal for Lone Parents if you are bringing up children as a lone
parent, if your youngest child is under 12 years old and you are not working, or
working less than 16 hours per week.
New Deal for Lone Parents is a voluntary programme designed specifically to help
lone parents who want to work. It is available to lone parents in receipt of one
of a wide variety of benefits including Income Support and is operated through your
local Jobcentre. You will be able to access information, advice and guidance from
a New Deal Lone Parent Adviser (NDLP) who can support you in your return to work.
If in your meeting with a NDLP adviser it is identified that you may benefit from
additional education or training, then your adviser may be able to help you to identify
a suitable course and highlight any additional financial support available to you.
If you would like further information, please contact your local Job Centre or the
Information Line on 0800 868868.
New Deal for Partners
New Deal for Partners is available to partners of people claiming any of the following
benefits:
- Jobseekers Allowance
- Income Support
- Incapacity Benefit
- Carer’s Allowance
- Severe Disablement Benefit
- Pension Credit
You can also join New Deal for Partners if you partner gets Pension Credit and you
are working less than 24 hours a week. Or if you or your partner gets Working Tax
Credit and you are working less than 16 hours a week.
New Deal Information Line
Tel: 0845 606 2626
From 7am to 11pm seven days a week.
Part-time Fee Waivers
If you receive certain state benefits such as Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance,
Incapacity Benefit or DLA or if you receive Working Tax Credit you may not have
to pay the tuition fee for part time day or evening class courses. Please contact
the Student Funding Office for further information.
If you are unemployed it may be possible to study part time without it affecting
your benefit as long as the course you undertake is less than 16 hours per week
(some students under 19 years of age are restricted to the maximum of 12 hours per
week). Generally under Income Support and Job Seekers Allowance Regulations, study
is restricted to “16 guided learning hours” per week (i.e. times when a staff member
is present to give specific guidance towards the qualification). The unemployed
person must remain available for work, be actively seeking work and willing to abandon
the programme of study should an employment opportunity arise.
If you are interested in studying part time whilst in receipt of benefit it is advisable
to discuss your plans with a college Student Adviser or the benefits agency before
committing to any programme of study.
Get more information
The best piece of advice we can give is find out as much as you can about the financial
implications of coming to college. Speak to our Student Information Centre or Student
Funding Office for more advice and help with your individual case.
Student Information Centre:
Tel: 0800 587 2277 (Greenock)
Tel: 0800 085 8200 (North Ayrshire)
Email: enquiries@jameswatt.ac.uk
Student Funding Office:
Tel: 01475 553150 (Greenock)
Tel: 01294 555322 (North Ayrshire)