Three piles of coins

Fees, Finance & Funding for Students Aged 16 to 18

The most important thing to know about finance and funding if you’re 16-18 years old, is that you won’t have to pay any course fees or exam costs at The Manchester College.

During your time with us, there may be other things you have to pay for, including travel to and from college, food and drinks if you’re on campus, and any additional costs for course kits or equipment. You might need to plan and budget for these, but depending on your circumstances, we have some financial support that could help.

If you have any questions or concerns about finance and funding, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Careers Service , who’ll be able to help you understand all your available options.

Your college ID badge is now your passport to financial support. If eligible for travel or meals in college, this will now be loaded onto your college ID so it’s vital you wear it and keep it safe. If you lose you badge there will be an administration fee of £2 to replace it.

The 16-18 Access to Industry Award funds are paid from the college allocation of Discretionary Support Funds from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

TMC Go

For students aged 16 to 18, you can explore Greater Manchester with OurPass. If you are not eligible for OurPass, The Manchester College will give you the same opportunities, not only to travel to a fantastic college, but to be able to explore all the great places in Greater Manchester.

TMC GO is there to support students who are not eligible for 'OurPass', this will usually be students who live outside the GM area and/or are 18 on or after 31st August 2024. TMC GO will operate on your College ID badge. This can be used on bus transport only as a travel card. You will be able to renew your travel award every 28 days at your campus reception. 

If for a good reason bus travel is not appropriate, you will be able to indicate this at the application stage and make a request for alternative means of transport such as train or tram. 

Our TMC Go offer applies to 2024/25 only and is subject to available funds, terms, conditions and eligibility.

If you lose or misplace your ID card, you must report it straight away and get a new one, you may incur a fee of £2 to obtain a replacement from the College. Refunds are not available if a bus pass is later found. Any student found misusing their bus pass will be subject to the student disciplinary procedures. In cases where students have lost their ID 3 or more times, the college will adjust the award to daily scratch cards.

Please noteIf you are 16 years old and under 18 on 31/08/2024 and live within Greater Manchester your travel will come from the 'Our Pass' from the Local Authority. You will need to apply now at www.ourpass.co.uk and complete the application. If you are 18 or above on 31/08/2024 and / or live outside of Greater Manchester you will need to apply for the Access to Industry Award. Applications can be completed via your Apply Portal, once enrolled with the College

To make an application for the bursary (Access to Industry Award), this can be done via the APPLY portal located on the main college website apply.tmc.ac.uk using the log in details below:
USERNAME: This is the Student ID followed by @stu.tmc.ac.uk
PASSWORD: tmc followed by the applicants’ date of birth DDMMYYYY

This will need to be completed year on year with relevant evidence.

Please note: The Bursary team will only contact you via your student email address, so please check your college email on a regular basis. 

To be eligible for the Access to Industry Award from The Manchester College

  • Your household income is less than £40,000 per year
  • You are enrolled with The Manchester College

Additionally, if you are eligible for Our Pass or TMC GO but are struggling to get to college by bus or it takes too long (over an hour), you can indicate this at the application stage for alternative transport methods which will be assessed by the bursary panel. This may result in a payment made into your UK bank account. We will ask for proof that an alternative method of transport has been purchased such as train/tram ticket.

Go to Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com) for your transport guide to Greater Manchester.

 

Go Eat

We know that eating a balanced diet is essential for your health and wellbeing. We think it’s also vital for concentration for study or employment. We can provide up to £5.50 a day, loaded onto your college ID to use in our canteen facilities on every campus, where you will find a range of meals designed for any tastes and dietary requirements. And if you skip lunch, why not grab, and go something to take home.

Our refectory works hard to provide you with all you need to be able to work hard and achieve your goals so be kind to yourself and go eat…

If your parent/s or guardian are in receipt of a means tested benefit, child tax credits or Universal Credit you may be entitled up to £27.50 (depending on profile) meal allowance per week when in college and when off-site as part of your Programme of Study, for example, when carrying out a work placement or work experience.

You will receive the funds loaded onto your ID card. If you cannot access the cashless on campus system, an appropriate alternative payment method will be put in place. PLEASE NOTE: if you don’t use your entitlement loaded onto your ID card, we cannot make any cash awards at the end of the year.

If you are 19-24 years old with an Education Care and Health Plan (EHCP) you may also be entitled to support with meals.

Please note the eligibility criteria for free college meals is based on the Government criteria. The College meal allocation will be reset to zero every half term so its important the allocation is used.

Eligible benefits

Free meals are targeted at disadvantaged students. Free meals in FE defines disadvantage as students being in receipt of, or having parents who are in receipt of, one or more 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)

Remember, if you are in college from 8:00am to 9:30am, take advantage of FREE Tea and Toast for all 16- to 18-year-olds. You will need to show your ID badge. Or use your Go Eat to add more to this and have a good breakfast before you start your studies.

Kit Up

For some courses you will be required to buy some equipment, which you can take into employment once you complete your studies, to pursue your chosen career. If eligible we will give you what you need to achieve and progress into employment.

We work alongside the curriculum departments to ensure you have the right course equipment.

Laptops

If you do not have access to a piece of IT equipment for independent study, then you can book College computers or laptops through the Learning Resource Centres to work on whilst on campus. 

 

A Helping Hand for the most Vulnerable Students

We understand that some young people are living independently and may need some extra support. The Manchester College is here to support all young people and we want to see you thrive and achieve your career goals. We will provide support to help you achieve your goals, not just financially but with a whole team of professionals from Advisors, Student Experience workers, Mentors, Learning Support, Transition, Libraires and Achievement Tutors all working together to make sure you progress and achieve. If eligible you will receive based on a needs assessment from the welfare team

  • Option 1 - Full payment into a UK bank account
  • Option 2 - College meals loaded onto your college ID and limited payments for periods outside College as half term.

 

To be eligible for this bursary, you’ll need to be:

  • In care, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. 
  • leaving care. 
  • In receipt of Income Support or the equivalent Universal Credit (UC). 
  • If you’re disabled and in receipt of both Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit (UC) and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment in your own right. 

You will be required to attend a needs assessment with the welfare team to determine what is the best support for you. 
 

Breaking Barriers and Get Smart

All students may face times when a little extra support can go a long way. This may be an unexpected bill, clothes for an interview or placement or due to the cost of living, you may need some essential items or some groceries. We are here to help remove any short-term barriers. Our financial support advisor can also work with you to support any longer-term plans to enable you to deal with anything you may come across in the future. You can download a breaking barriers application from Fees, Finance & Funding | tmc.ac.uk

This can help with items such as:

  • Clothes for a placement, university, or job interview
  • UCAS fees
  • Severe hardship
  • Childcare registration fee
  • IT equipment for students receiving free college meals
  • College meals if not eligible for the ESFA meal entitlement
     

 

What do you need to apply?

When making an application for the Access to Industry Award we will ask for some personal details, such as household income and welfare benefit income. It's one single process to apply for the awards and you will be notified by text or email if you are eligible for support.

To be eligible for financial support you need to meet the eligibility criteria*

  • 16- to 18-year-old
  • Home Student
  • Income less than £40,000
  • In receipt of JSA, UC, ESA, CTC, or NASS
     

For the Vulnerable Bursary you need to

  • provide evidence you are living independently
  • in care (including unaccompanied Asylum Seekers)
  • care leavers (including unaccompanied Asylum Seekers)
  • receiving Income Support, or Universal Credit because you are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you
  • receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in your own right, as well as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit
    in your own right.
  • Students studying for at least 30 weeks per year

    *Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply.

Award winning careers advice

In addition to all the support we offer, you can also book in to see one of our fully qualified careers advisors. We can help you choose the right course, plan your next steps on the road to employment, discuss different careers options. Whether you are planning to go to university, move up to the next level or move into employment, getting the right advise is essential.

Bank accounts – essential 

We can only make cash payments into a valid UK bank account. You will be required to provide details of your bank account. You will be providing these details securely to protect your information. You can provide your bank details securely by using your student portal only.

Please email the Bursary Team: BursaryTeam@tmc.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Having a bank account is vital for the College to be able to pay any awards. If you do not have a bank account, you can visit the websites below for information on bank accounts: (Some banks are offering accounts to individuals with no fixed abode).

Metro bank operates in Manchester City Centre
45 Market Street, 
Manchester, M1 1WR
 

You will be able to open a cash account the same day and, in most cases, receive your bank card together with an account and sort code number. This account allows you to put money in and take it out or spend on it.

Cash Account (metrobankonline.co.uk)

www.money.co.uk/current-accounts/bank-accounts-for-teenagers.htm

www.moneysupermarket.com/current-accounts/childrens-current-account-guide

 

How do I apply?

Access to Industry Award applications can be completed via your Apply Portal.

 

For Breaking Barriers, you can download an application from Fees, Finance & Funding | tmc.ac.uk
Once complete, send it to careers&welfare@tmc.ac.uk or speak with an advisor on site

If you wish to appeal a decision, you will need to put this is writing outlining why you feel the decision was incorrect and send to the Bursary Team, it will then go to an appeal panel, and you will be informed of the outcome within 10 days.

Next stop your future

We are here to help you get to any of our campuses using the variety of transport means available, whether that’s by bus if you’re eligible for Our Pass or via our travel support package TMC Go which is part of our Access to Industry Award. So whether you’re travelling to college or need to get to your work placement, we will help to get you there for free, anytime, seven days a week.*

*Terms, conditions and eligibility apply.

TMC Go

For students aged 16-18 who are not eligible for Our Pass and/or who live outside the Greater Manchester travel area there is support available through TMC Go.

TMC Go is there to support students with a range of travel solutions, therefore if journey by bus isn't feasible we can also support you with travel by Metrolink or train. 

Our TMC Go offer applies to 2023/24 only and is subject to available funds, terms, conditions and eligibility.

Our Pass

Our Pass is the bus pass for 16-18-year-olds. For a one-off £10 administration fee, it unlocks free bus travel right across Greater Manchester – meaning that young people could unlock potential savings of over £500.

Our Pass will cover all local bus services across Greater Manchester.

Apply for Our Pass

Find out more about our Travel Offer and check if you're eligible now. 

We understand that some young people are living independently and may need some extra support. The Manchester College is here to support all young people and we want to see you thrive and achieve your career goals. We will provide support to help you achieve your goals, not just financially but with a whole team of professionals from Advisors, Student Experience workers, Mentors, Learning Support, Transition, Libraries and Achievement Tutors all working together to make sure you progress and achieve.

If eligible you will receive based on a needs assessment from the welfare team:

  • Option 1 - Full payment into a UK bank account
  • Option 2 - College meals loaded onto your college ID and limited payments for periods outside College as half term.

 To be eligible for this bursary, you’ll need to be:

  • In care, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. 
  • Leaving care. 
  • In receipt of Income Support or the equivalent Universal Credit (UC). 
  • If you’re disabled and in receipt of both Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit (UC) and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment in your own right. 

You will be required to attend a needs assessment with the welfare team to determine what is the best support for you. 

To be eligible for this bursary, you’ll need to be in care, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, or leaving care, OR you should be in receipt of Income Support or the equivalent Universal Credit (UC).

Alternatively, you’ll be eligible if you’re disabled and in receipt of both Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit (UC) and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment in your own right. You will also need to prove that you are living independently, so will need a valid Tenancy agreement or any equivalent documentation.

What can I get?

If you’re a young parent (under 20 at the start of your course), you could get up to £160 per child, per week, to help you pay for childcare as part of the Care2Learn scheme.  This could cover childcare costs, including deposits and registration fees, travel to take your children to and from childcare, taster sessions for up to five days, and even the cost to keep your childcare place over the summer holidays.

Am I eligible?

You can get Care2Learn if all the following apply to you:

  • you’re a parent under 20 at the start of your course
  • you’re the main carer for your child
  • you live in England
  • you’re either a British citizen or have a legal right to live and study in England
  • your course qualifies
  • your childcare provider qualifies

If you’re an EU citizen and you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021. If you want to move to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa.

If you’re an apprentice, who gets a salary OR studying Higher Education you won’t be eligible for this scheme.

How do I apply?

Applications for the Care2Learn scheme are submitted online via the government website.

  • The 16-18 Access to Industry Award funds are paid from the college allocation of Discretionary Support Funds from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
  • These funds are paid to meet some of the costs associated with learning, to enable learners to attend college courses where financial issues may not have made this otherwise possible.
  • The funds are paid subject to learners meeting the conditions of your learning agreement in terms of learning goals and the standards of behaviour and maintain a good attendance pattern in line with the college expectations, which must be at least 10 guided learning hours per week.
  • Where a learner has been awarded the 16-18 Access to Industry Award but they do not meet the attendance, behaviour and effort requirements, support may be withdrawn.
  • If a learner withdraws from their studies or stops attending the college, all support through the 16-18 Access to Industry Award will immediately cease and no future payments will be made.
  • If a learner loses their TMC Go bus pass, there will be a £2 charge for administration costs for a replacement. A refund will not be given for passes later found. 
  • The 16-18 Access to Industry Award is limited and the college seeks to provide the maximum benefit to the most learners possible.  If further payments cannot be made, all recipients will be informed of this in writing.
  • Funds are limited and not guaranteed, these will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and will close when the full allocation has been spent. The fund will be reviewed on a termly basis. The college reserve the right to adjust the criteria in year according to funds available.