Financial support

Bedford College offers a range of means-tested financial support packages to help overcome any barriers that could prevent you from coming to our College.

We have three funding streams...



Funding is mainly provided by the government to help meet specific financial hardship needs that prevents students from taking part in learning. This funding is awarded as a bursary to eligible students.

Take a look at our 'Video guide on completing your application' here. 

A bursary is money you could get which may help to pay for...

  • clothing, books and other equipment for your course
  • travel and lunch on days you are in College
  • professional membership and, in some cases, course fees (excludes those on Advanced Learner Loans).

The bursary you can apply for will normally depend on your household income, age and the type of course you study.

If you are aged 16-19 and need help with the cost of childcare, the Government’s Care to Learn scheme may be able to help. Find out more here.

If you are aged 20 or over (and studying on an eligible funded course) you can apply for the Childcare Bursary. Download the form here. 

For more information, download our bursary leaflets below.



2020/21 Financial Support Applications

After you've answered the questions in our eligibility checker, if you qualify you will then be able to start your application. You will be required to upload evidence to prove your eligibility so please have this to hand. You will also be able to save your work and come back to complete your application at a later time.

» Launch eligibility checker

If you are unemployed and receiving benefits then you could learn for FREE

You could be eligible for free study if you are unemployed and on one of the following benefits:

  • Employment & Support Allowance (work-related activity group)
  • Jobseekers Allowance
  • Working Tax Credit (subject to income)
  • Income support

Please note: you will need to be able to produce evidence of the benefit in your name when you come to enrol.

» See what courses are available to you

For more information, ring our Student Recruitment team on 01234 291000 or email us.           

Don't let money be a worry! Low-interest loans - study now, pay later

Advanced Learner Loans
If you’re aged 19 or over on the start date of your chosen course, you can apply for a loan to cover the tuition fees for some Level 3+ qualifications. There’s also nothing to pay back until you’ve completed your course and you’re earning over £25,000 per year!

» Visit the Advanced Learner Loans page for more information

Bedford College