Newfriars College is pleased to be able to offer financial support to help students meet the costs of attending college.

There are three types of support available: Free College Meals, Discretionary Bursary and Vulnerable Student Bursary. 

Free College Meals

Who can apply for this support?

You are eligible for Free College Meals if you are in receipt of any of the following benefits;

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseekers Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• the guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC))
• Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after someone stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• UC with net earnings not exceeding the equivalent of £7,400 pa (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Please note you will be asked to provide specific evidence when you apply. More information can be found on the Evidence Guidance document below

How much will I get?

• You will receive free meals on the days that you attend college.

What evidence will I need to provide?

• You will be required to provide evidence that you are in receipt of any of the above benefits. Please see the guidance document for more information on the evidence you will need to provide.

Who can apply for this support?

• Anyone who is eligible for Free College Meals will be automatically be eligible for the discretionary bursary.
• In addition to the above, anyone with a total household income under £23,000 per year (excluding disability payments)
• Please note you will be asked to provide specific evidence when you apply. More information can be found in the guidance document.

How much will I get?

• The bursary is based on student's individual circumstances and is not a set amount

How is the bursary paid?

• The college can provide a reduced cost of travel to and from college
• The college can pay a transport provider directly on your behalf
• A travel pass, free meals, books or IT equipment can be bought on a student's behalf
• The bursary can be used towards college trips
• An instalment can be paid by bank transfer in some circumstances

What evidence will I need to provide?

• You will be required to provide evidence of current household income and we may request up to date evidence of your household income at any point during the academic year. Please see the guidance document for more information on the evidence you will need to provide.