Most support is available to students from low-income households or those receiving qualifying benefits. As funding is limited and allocated by the Government, awards are made according to eligibility and the College's funding priorities.
Applications for financial support for the 2026/27 academic year can be submitted from 1 August 2026 via the College's Student Finance Portal.
If you need advice or support with your application, our Student Finance Team is here to help.
Contact the Student Finance Team
- Great Yarmouth Campus: 01493 418312
- Lowestoft Campus: 01502 525124
- Email: studentfinance@eastcoast.ac.uk
Discretionary Learner Support
Discretionary Learner Support is available to students aged 16 and over who need financial help with the additional costs of attending college.
Support may be available towards:
- Travel to and from college
- Meals while on campus
- Course fees for eligible learners aged 19+
- Essential course equipment and books
- Stationery
- Course trips
- Childcare costs
- University visits and interviews
This is a discretionary fund for students from low-income households (generally with an annual household income below £30,000) or those receiving qualifying benefits. Funding is limited and applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to college priorities.
16-19 Vulnerable Bursary
A Vulnerable Bursary may be available to support students aged 16–19 with the costs of attending college.
You may be eligible if you are:
- In care or a care leaver
- Living independently and receiving Income Support or Universal Credit
- Receiving Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) alongside Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
The bursary can help with the essential costs of participating in education.
Free College Meals
Eligible students may receive a free meal on the days they attend college or a placement for three hours or more.
You may be eligible if you are:
- Aged 16–18 when you start an eligible course
- Aged 19 and continuing on an eligible course
- Aged 19–25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and receiving certain benefits
Eligible benefits include:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Child Tax Credit (where you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and your annual gross income is no more than £16,190, as assessed by HMRC
- Working Tax Credit Run On (for four weeks after stopping eligibility for Working Tax Credit)
- Universal Credit, where annual net earnings do not exceed £7,400
Meals may also be awarded at the College’s discretion to students who have applied for discretionary support and meet the relevant income criteria.
Advanced Learner Loans
If you are aged 19 or over and enrolling on an eligible Level 3 to Level 6 course, you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees.
To qualify, you must:
- Be aged 19 or over at the start of your course
- Meet residency requirements
- Be studying an eligible course at an approved college or training provider
- Have a Learning and Funding Information Letter from the College (provided before enrolment)
Your eligibility does not depend on your income, and there are no credit checks. This means you can apply whether you are employed or unemployed, as long as you meet the criteria.
Repayments begin after you have completed your course and your income is above the government repayment threshold. The current threshold is £25,000 per year and is subject to change.
You can make voluntary repayments at any time if you wish to pay off your loan sooner.
An Advanced Learner Loan covers the upfront cost of your qualification (your course fees), which is paid directly to the College.
If you take out a loan to fund an Access to Higher Education course and then progress to complete a university-level qualification, your Advanced Learner Loan may be written off.
For more information, including how to apply online, visit the Government website.
Students who receive an Advanced Learner Loan can also apply for additional financial support, such as help with travel and childcare costs, through the College’s Discretionary Learner Support Fund. This support is means-tested.
For advice about Advanced Learner Loans or other financial support, contact the Student Finance Team:
Great Yarmouth Campus: 01493 418312
Lowestoft Campus: 01502 525124
Care to Learn Funding
Government Care to Learn funding is available for young parents under the age of 20 to help with childcare and nursery costs while they study.
For more information and details on how to apply, visit the Government website.
