Funding Part-time Courses
Students who are studying a part-time course at college are not
normally eligible for the same type of funding mechanisms as those studying on a
full-time basis. However, alternative sources of funding, such as those mentioned
below, may be available to you.
Remember, you are responsible for checking your own entitlement to funds. So if
there is anything you are unsure about or if you would like to find out more information
about any part-time funding options, contact the Student Information Centre on either
of the numbers below.
Career Development Loans
If you are over 18 years of age and unable to get financial support to help you
study (whether full-time or part-time) you may be able to apply for a Career Development
Loan (CDL). The government manages CDLs through partnership with a number of high
street banks.
Loans between £300 and £8,000 are available to cover up to 80% of course fees (100%
if you have been unemployed for more than 3 months).
For further information please contact:
Career Development Loans
Tel: 0800 585 505
Web: www.lifelonglearning.co.uk
Individual Learning Accounts (ILA Scotland)
James Watt College is a registered ILA Scotland Learning Provider and many part-time and evening courses are eligible for ILA Scotland funding. ILA Scotland is a Scottish Government scheme that helps you pay for learning that you can do at a time, place, pace and in a way to suit you. It’s for people who have an income of £22,000 a year or less, or who are on benefits.
If you are 16 or over and living in Scotland, you could get up to £500 towards the cost of learning with a learner account from ILA Scotland.
There are two types of account available:
- £200 accounts – If you are interested in learning something new or brushing up your skills. There is a wide range of courses available.
- £500 accounts – If you are studying a part-time higher education or professional qualification course such as a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND) or a Degree. You must be studying 40 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) credits or more an academic year.
To find out more, and to register, call the ILA Scotland helpline on 0808 100 1090
or visit www.ilascotland.org.uk
Educational Trusts, Charities & Scholarships
There are a large number of trusts, charities and scholarships that give limited
amounts of financial assistance to students. These awards do not have to be repaid,
however if you are receiving certain benefits or if you already receive a college
bursary or grant funding from the Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland, then the
amount of award you receive may affect your award or benefit entitlement.
For further information on how much Educational Trust & Charity funding you
may attract without affecting your existing support, please contact the relevant
student funding body or your local benefits agency for information on income disregards.
Information on Educational Trusts and Charities can be obtained from the following
bodies:
The Register of Educational Endowments
Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland, Gyleview House, 3 Redheughs Rigg, South Gyle,
Edinburgh, EH12 9HH.
Tel: 0845 111 1711
Web: www.saas.gov.uk
The Carnegie UK Trust
Andrew Carnegie House, Pittencrieff Street, Dunfermline, KY12 9AW
Tel: 01383 721445
Web: www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk
Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS)
501-505 Kingsland Road, Dalston, London, E8 4AU
Tel: 020 7254 6251
Web: www.egas-online.org.uk
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 college Finance 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.
Discount for Senior Citizens
If a fee waiver or Individual Learning Account (ILA) is not available senior citizens
may apply for a 25% discount on course fees.
Further 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 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