Financial Support for learners aged 16-18

At BSDC, we offer two bursaries for learners aged 16 to 18 years of age. These are designed to support learners from low income households by helping to cover some of the costs associated with studying. 

Funding is awarded on an academic year basis. If you are enrolled on a two year course, please be aware that you will need to submit a new application for each year of your course.

Please also note that if awarded a bursary, it is your responsibility to inform any relevant benefits agencies. Financial support awarded through the bursary may affect your entitlement to certain benefits.

• Am I eligible for bursary support

  If your parent or guardian can provide one of the documents listed below, and your household income is under £36,350 per year, you may be eligible to apply for bursary support:

  • The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Recent wage slips confirming an annual household income below £36,350

  If you are aged 16 -18 and meet any of the criteria below, you may be eligible to apply for our enhanced 16 -18 bursary:

  •  You are a looked after child
  • You are a care leaver
  • You receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) alongside Universal Credit 
  • You receive Universal Credit

• Types of support available

  Types of support available:

  • Bus fare contributions for those who live 2 miles or more from their chosen college campus
  • Petrol contributions for those who live 5 miles or more from their chosen college campus
  • Mandatory kit and uniform
  • Free school meals for those who meet the relevant eligibility criteria
  • Care 2 Learn - Childcare funding for those aged between 16 - 19

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  If I had free meals at school does this automatically continue at College?

  A learner is only eligible to receive a free meal when they, or a responsible adult on their behalf, has made a successful application to the college. Free meals will commence from the date of award.

  How do i know if i meet the criteria for receiving free school meals?

  As of September 2026, the Department of Education has released guidelines that state any learner whose parent or guardian is in receipt of universal credit, is now eligible to receive free school meals. Those on the enhanced 16-18 bursary, will automatically be awarded free school meals.

  Do I have to apply every year?

  Yes, returning learners must apply again for each academic year.

  How will I receive my free meal?

  Successful applicants will receive vouchers to spend in the college Food Hub to the value of £4.50 per day.

  What days will I receive a free meal?

  Free meals will only be provided on the days where a learner is timetabled in college for a minimum of 5 hours. For example, if a learner attends for 5 days a week, 9am to 3pm, for part of their course, the college will provide 5 free meals. If a learner has 2 days a week when they only attend from 9am to 10am, then the college does not have to provide meals on those days.

  What happens if I am on a trip or on work placement?

  Learners who are off-site on work placement or work experience as part of their study programme whose host organisation is unable or unwilling to provide a meal and who have no access to a suitable food outlet that will accept a voucher will be deemed exceptional cases and as such will receive a cash payment of £4.50 per day by BACS. Examples include work placements in rural areas or on industrial sites.

  Who is not eligible for free meals?

  The following groups of learners are not eligible for free college meals:

  • Learners aged between 14 and 16 (these students are already covered by free school meals (FSM) provision)
  • Learners aged 19 or over at the start of their study programme, unless they have an EHCP or are a 19+ continuer
  • Apprentices, including those with an EHCP

  Can I apply for discretionary meals if i don't meet the free meal criteria?

  Yes, all applications for discretionary meals will be considered on an individual basis and may be awarded under exceptional circumstances.