Part-time fees


Course fees for part-time courses are listed individually on the course information. If at any time you are unsure about the fee you should be paying, please call our Enquiries & Guidance advice line on 01234 291000.

» What does your fee include?


The fee stated on the course information includes:
  • The course tuition fee charged by Bedford College. For courses with a duration of two years or longer the tuition fee is payable annually.
  • The cost of the exam and registration fee charged by the exam board.
  • A £20* Bedford College resources fee that enables us to provide learning resources and other services required to run your course. The Bedford College resources fee is an annual fee that runs from 1 August to 31 July each year, so you don’t need to pay it again if you take more than one course during this period. If your course is longer than one year you will need to pay this fee annually.

» Equipment, materials and other costs


For some courses you may need to pay for books, equipment or specialist clothing. There may also be other costs associated with individual courses – for example some of our care courses require you to pay for a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check. Details can be obtained by calling our Enquiries & Guidance advice line on 01234 291000. Financial support is available through the Student Support Fund.

» What financial help is available?


  • Student support fund

    If you have a particular hardship that would otherwise prevent you from studying, our student support fund* may be able to help with essential costs such as travel, child care, books or equipment. For more details call the Student Services helpline on 01234 291934.

    * Funding is limited, particularly for child care, so we strongly advise that you apply as early as possible.

  • Higher education study grant
    If you are planning to study one of our part-time degree-level courses you may apply to your Local Authority (LA) for a grant to help with your fees. For further details contact your Local Authority or call our Student Services helpline on 01234 291934.

» What if my employer is paying for my course?


You will need to bring a letter or purchase order from your employer when you come to enrol. The document should state your name, the course title and the amount they are paying. If you are bringing in a letter, it must also be signed by your employer – we will then invoice your employer. We cannot enrol you on a course without a letter from your employer.

» Are you an international student?


If you have been resident in the UK for three years or more and have settled status, then you pay the costs listed in this guide.

If you have not been resident in the UK for the last three years, or have a time limit on your stay here, please call our Enquiries & Guidance advice line on 01234 291000 as different fees may apply. You can also view information for international applicants.

» Concessions – are you entitled?


The concession fee listed under the course entry is the fee you pay if you are eligible for 100% discount on your tuition fee. This means that the cost of your tuition fee is covered by the College, but that you still have to pay exam, registration and Bedford College resource fees.

Fee concessions may be available if:

  • You are in receipt of jobseekers allowance, or Employment Support Allowance
  • The course is your first full Level 2 qualification and you are aged 19 or above on 31 August 2010.
  • The course is your first full Level 3 qualification and you are aged 19–24 on the start date of your course.

If you are unsure about whether you qualify for any of the above concessions, please call our Enquiries & Guidance advice line on 01234 291000.

» Are you aged between 16 and 18?


If you are aged 16–18 you will normally be eligible for up to 100% discount on your fee, look out for the 16–18 symbol in our course guides. The only cost you will need to pay is for equipment and materials that are required for some courses (see information on the Student Support Fund). For courses starting between September and December you will need to be aged 16–18 on 31 August 2011, and for courses starting between January and July you will need to be 16–18 on 1 January 2011.

Please note:

If your attendance falls below 85%, you may be asked to pay the awarding body registration and exam fees.

This discount only applies to courses that are funded by the government – call our Enquiries & Guidance advice line on 01234 291000 for more information.

» Will studying affect my benefit?


This largely depends on the type of benefit you are receiving and the type of course you are studying. In many cases, the answer is no, but for further advice please check with the administrator of benefits (DWP or Jobcentre etc.)