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SUPPORT FOR EVERYONE

A career at sea can change your life, and finances shouldn’t get in the way of that. Discover all our options to make sure you’re financially supported while you attain a first-class Marine education, with deck officer courses and nautical science courses on offer

There is a wide array of financial support available, whether you’re a school leaver or hoping to advance your career. Find out what you’re eligible for: you could get help with tuition, childcare, books, travel and equipment. Whatever you choose, South Shields Marine School is here to support you. 

WHAT’S AVAILABLE?

If you require any more information or need any help completing applications, contact Student Services. Forms are available in other formats upon request.

All financial support is subject to criteria.

16-18 BURSARY

Young people may be eligible to receive financial support from the 16-18 bursary, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.  You must be a permanent UK/EEA resident, with a household income below £40,000, in order to be eligible.

Application Form.

Students aged 19 to 25 that have an Education Health Care Plan due to their high needs are also eligible to apply for the 16-18 bursary.

VULNERABLE BURSARY

A bursary of up to £1,200 per year is available to assist eligible students with the cost of travel and meals, if the young person is:

  • Living in Care.
  • A Care Leaver.
  • Claiming Income Support / Universal Credit in their own right.
  • In receipt of Employment & Support.
  • Allowance (ESA) and Disability Living.
  • Allowance (DLA) / Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in their own right.
HELP WITH STUDY COSTS

To find out more about travel and free school meals, contact our Student Services team below.

If you are aged 19+, you may be able to claim financial help, which can include money for extras such as travel, books, childcare, equipment and course trips.

Priority is given to learners experiencing financial difficulties. The fund is means tested and you will be required to provide evidence of your household income. Regardless of your income, you may also be eligible for the fund if you feel you need assistance. For example, if you are medically ill, in-care, an adult on a first Level 2 qualification, have a disability, have learning difficulties or are a Skills for Life learner.

Application forms are available from Student Services, or telephone.

CHILDCARE

Students under the age of 20 years old at the start of their course may be eligible for childcare funding through Care to Learn visit www.gov.uk/care-to-learn.

In cases of severe financial hardship or a significant change of circumstances, please contact Student Services/ Gateway.

In order to find out if you are eligible for an Early Years Education Place or to apply, please contact the Families Information Service below

DISCRETIONARY BURSARY
  • Network One Travel Pass for use on public transport across Tyne & Wear: including weekend travel, on bus, metro and South Shields ferry (worth over £600 per year). This is subject to satisfactory attendance, progress and conduct at South Shields Marine School.
  • Free School Meals: If you received free school meals at school, you could be entitled to the same at college, with a £2.55 allowance on timetabled days.
  • Free personal protective equipment and course kits for designated courses.
  • For Pre-Cadet students a bursary to help towards halls of residence fees.
  • Essential kit costs will be paid for designated courses.
ADVANCED LEARNER LOANS

The Advanced Learner Loan aims to financially support students enrolled on a further education course so they can access and remain in education.

The fund can help alleviate unexpected financial hardship, and we particularly encourage applications from students who may be considering leaving college due to financial problems. You can apply at any point throughout the academic year. Any help that you receive from the fund is usually non-repayable.

The threshold limit is £30,000. If your household income is over this amount you will not qualify for an award.
More information and application forms are available on the following website: www.gov.uk/advanced-learning-loans/how-to-claim.

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COURSE FEES

Adults aged 19+ may have to pay for their course fees. However, the UK Government or South Tyneside College will help with course fees on some funded courses if you are in receipt of certain benefits or studying a new level of course for the first time.

 

Please note: The above does not apply to full-cost or higher education courses. Please contact Student Services below for details.

 

Some learners over 19 who are completing courses as part of their employment might not receive funding if the course is not their first full Level 2. This is known as workplace learning and can be delivered in the workplace or at College. Please speak to Student Services to check your funding status.

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FE LOANS

FE loans are available for students aged over 19 wanting to study full Level 3 qualifications as well as approved courses at levels 4 and 5. Rather than having to pay for courses upfront, students will be able to access a loan that they will repay once they have left the course and are earning over £21,000.

 

If your loan is for the Access Programme to Higher Education (APHE) and you progress to complete a Higher Education programme, you will not have to pay back your FE loan.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

If you’re joining us from abroad, the application process and the financial support available will look different.

SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS

A sponsored cadetship has many positives: you will be earning a salary while learning, and will not have any student debt. Our staff can help you get a sponsorship.