Student Bursary (financial support)
The Student bursary policy (PDF) sets out the college’s policy on calculation, eligibility and payment of college bursaries. These bursaries are designed to support as many students as possible in a fair and equal manner.
- Access your information quickly at anytime
Apply and access your information online from anywhere – on your computer, table or smartphone. - Upload your documents online
Upload your/your parents evidence of household income online to make it quicker and easier to apply for bursary support. - View your bursary payments online
View your payments online and check when you will be receiving your payments.
Apply with our online application system
Our online application system allows you to apply, access and view your bursary payments easily and securely. With the online portal you'll be able to see any upcoming payments and view your payments status.
User guide
Read our bursary online application guide for guidance on using the online application system:
Bursary online application guide (PDF)
HHI Evidence Visual Guide (PDF)
"How to" videos
We have created two short video guides to help you register for an account and start your Bursary application:
Video 01 - How to start your application and register on pay my student
Video 02 - How to complete your bursary application
Other financial support may be available depending on your individual circumstances.
Essential Living Fund
If you find yourself in need of some help this winter, the Essential Living Fund can help pay for heating, electricity, water and food. We can also help you get essential household items like a fridge, cooker or table.
To get a grant you must:
- Live in Essex
- Be aged over 16
How to apply:
Check if this applies to you, visit www.southend.gov.uk/elfforessex.
Or if you are vulnerable or have no access to the internet you can call 0300 7900124 (between 8:45am - 5:00pm).
Free College Meals (FCM)
From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, all students from households in receipt of Universal Credit or Part VI support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 will be eligible for Free College meals. This means even if you are above the threshold for discretionary bursary, you may still be entitled to free college meals.
Students must be aged between 16-18 on 31st August 2026, students aged 19+ are only eligible if they are in receipt of the above-mentioned benefits and they are either:
- A continuing student aged 19+ who started their study programme when aged 16–18 (2nd year of a 2-year course)
- Are 19-24 and have an EHCP
If you were in receipt of free school meals or free college meals last year (2025/26), you may not be eligible this year, as transitional protections have ended. If your household is no longer in receipt of Universal Credit, you will not be eligible for free college meals.
Are you a school leaver aged 16-18?
If you are leaving school and moving into college, there is a range of financial support available to help you get started. Our team is here to guide you through your options, so you can focus on taking your next step with confidence.
If you are aged 19 or under on 31 August, your course fees will be fully funded.
You may still need to pay for course related items such as kit or uniforms, although you can apply for a bursary to help with these costs.
If your family is on a low income, you may also be able to receive support towards additional course costs and travel, as agreed by the college.
You may be able to get help with the cost of travelling to college, depending on your circumstances. If you are aged 16 to 18, your local authority may offer support through their Post 16 Travel Scheme, so it is worth contacting them directly to find out what is available in your area.
You can also explore a range of travel discounts, including bus passes, railcards and Oyster travel, through external providers.
- Essex County Council: 0845 603 2200
- Thurrock Borough Council: 01702 652652
- Southend Borough Council: 01702 215000
- Oyster Cards
- Arriva
- Greater Anglia
- Ensign
- C2C
- First Bus
- Savings for 16 to 17
Some courses include educational trips, which may have an additional cost. If a trip is a compulsory part of your course and you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply for support through the Discretionary Learner Support Fund.
If you are aged 16 to 18 and meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for a Vulnerable Bursary of up to £1,200. This support is available if you are under 19 and in the care of the Local Authority, supported by the Leaving Care Team, or an unaccompanied asylum seeker in Local Authority care. You may also qualify for this bursary if you receive income support or universal credit in your own name, or if you receive Employment Support Allowance or Universal Credit alongside Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
Are you an adult learner aged 19 or over?
If you are an adult learner, there are a range of funding options that may help you manage the cost of your course, and in many cases courses can still be fully funded depending on your circumstances.
We are here to support you in understanding what is available, so you can move forward with your studies with confidence.
If you are aged 19 or over, you may need to pay some or all of your course fees. This will depend on the level of your course, your previous qualifications, and your personal income or employment status.
Find out more about different finance options below.
If you are aged between 19 and 23 at the start of your course, whether you are employed or unemployed, you may be eligible to have your tuition fees waived if you need to study an Entry or Level 1 course before progressing to your first full Level 2 qualification. If you qualify, your department will also provide essential materials and equipment, and cover the cost of any compulsory trips.
If you are aged between 19 and 23 at the start of your course, your first Level 1, 2 or 3 qualification will be fully funded by the government, as long as you do not already hold one. If you are eligible, your faculty will also provide the essential materials and equipment you need, as well as cover the cost of any compulsory trips.
If you already have a Level 2 qualification, you may still be eligible for free study if your earnings are below a set threshold. For further guidance, please contact the Funding Team at funding@southessex.ac.uk
Please visit the individual course pages for full details of the costs. You may be entitled to a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs of your Access to HE course. Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances for your Access to HE course as soon as you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay your Advanced Learner Loan if you progress to higher education and complete your degree programme. To find out more about advanced learner loans and repayments, visit https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
You may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the full cost of your course, or in some cases a discretionary bursary may help towards fees. These government loans are available to students aged 19 or over for approved courses at Levels 3 to 6, meaning you do not need to pay anything upfront. They are not based on household income and there is no credit check.
You will only start repaying the loan from the April after you complete or withdraw from your course, and only if your income is above a certain level. To find out more about advanced learner loans and repayments, visit https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
For information about funding for Higher Education and degree courses, please visit our dedicated HE funding page.
As there are a range of options available, we recommend getting in touch with the College to speak to a course adviser or a member of our Student Support Funding Team. They can look at your individual circumstances and help you understand what funding may be available to you.
This is a non-repayable grant for Higher Education students who have a disability, specific learning difficulty, mental health condition or long-term illness that affects their ability to study. Depending on your individual needs, DSA may help fund specialist equipment, software, study support and other reasonable adjustments.
Find out more about DSA on our HE Fees & Financial Matters page.
If you are applying to UCSE and require support with your DSA application, please contact the UCSE Disability Support Team: HESupport@southessex.ac.uk
If you are aged 19 or over and on a low income, you may be able to receive financial support towards the additional costs of your course, including help with Ofsted registered childcare and travel. In some exceptional circumstances, if you are not eligible for other fee waivers, you may also be able to receive a contribution of up to 50% towards your tuition fees.
The Higher Education Support Fund provides financial assistance if you're facing unexpected financial difficulties that may impact your studies. A range of assistance is available to help you manage financial challenges, reduce barriers to learning, and stay focused on achieving your academic goals.
Are you interested in apprenticeships?
As an apprentice, you'll earn a salary while you learn, gain valuable workplace experience and work towards a recognised qualification. They combine practical work with training and study, allowing you to earn while you learn and build valuable experience for your future career. Apprentices must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices, although many employers choose to pay more. There are no tuition fees to pay, so the only cost you'll usually need to budget for is travelling to and from college and your workplace.
Large companies can fund the course using their apprenticeship levy. SMEs can access government funding to subsidise the cost by 95%.
Are you an international student?
As an international student, you will be required to pay international tuition fees for your course.
Before we can issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), you will need to provide evidence that you can meet the cost of your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your studies. This can be through personal funds, sponsorship, a scholarship, or another approved source of financial support.
Tuition fees are normally paid before the start of your course. For more information about fees, funding and payment options, please visit our dedicated international students page.
Childcare costs
You may be able to get help with childcare costs while you study, depending on your circumstances. If you are aged 16 to 20, you can apply through Care to Learn. If you are over 20, you may be able to receive support for childcare during your timetabled study days. Our Funding Team can support you with your application, you will need to provide evidence of your household income and use an Ofsted registered childcare provider.
Preloved Uniform Shop
To find out more about our preloved uniform shop please contact funding@southessex.ac.uk
How to pay us
You can pay for your course fees or consumables using our online payment service. For information about how to pay us, please visit our dedicated how to pay page.
Reference Number for your payments needs to be your Student ID Number, so please have this ready.