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Full-Time (Non-Advanced)

 

I am studying a full-time non-advanced course (e.g National Certificate (NC), General Scottish Vocational Qualification (GSVQ), Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ), Scottish Group Award (SGA) What type of funding is available to me?

Tuition fee.

Most students on full-time non-advanced courses do not have to pay the Tuition Fees. However, you must apply for a Fees Award on the Fee Waiver/Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)/Bursary Application Form so that your eligibility may be determined. Even if you live in Orkney or Shetland, you should apply to Aberdeen College for a Fees Award and EMA if eligible (but you need to apply to Orkney or Shetland Islands Council for Bursary support).

The Tuition Fee for a full-time non-advanced course is not subject to means-testing nor is entitlement affected by previous studies.

If you do not meet residence or other requirements, you will be required to pay the tuition fees yourself.

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What funding is available to support me at College?

The following may be available depending on individual circumstances:

• Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) - EMAs are currently under review and we are unable to provide detailed information re rates, income levels etc. We hope to be able to offer more information around the end of May 2009.
• Bursary Maintenance Award - This is to maintain the student and is means-tested on the income of the student, and of the household, whether that be parent(s), or spouse/partner. It does not apply if you have an entitlement to an EMA unless it is accepted by the College that you have to live away from the parental home whilst at College.
• Materials and Travel Bursary - if you will be aged under 18 at the start of your course it is likely you will be eligible for this award (regardless of household income) if your home is more than 1 mile from College.

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What if I am an Exceptional Entrant to College (Christmas Leaver)?

However, if your date of birth falls between 1 October 1993 and 28 February 1994 you will be an Exceptional Entrant to College (Christmas Leaver) and you will not be eligible for Materials and Travel Bursary until 5 January 2010.

You should contact the Head Teacher of your school to request an application form (PTU100) for a travel pass from your Local Education Authority to cover the cost of your travel from the start of your course until 18 December 2009.

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How do I apply for an EMA or an Aberdeen College bursary?

You should complete the Fee Waiver/ EMA/Bursary/Fees Application Form which will be sent to you once you have been offered a place on a course. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Please do not assume that you will automatically qualify for an EMA or Bursary.

Entitlement to the award of a Bursary or EMA depends on a number of factors. The funds available are limited and it is possible that some applications may be unsuccessful, so you should apply as early as possible, and certainly before the deadlines given in the Information Guide supplied with the application form.

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What is an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)?

EMAs are currently under review and could change for 2009/10. We hope to be able to offer more information around the end of May 2009.

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How are EMAs paid?

See above.

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What is a Bursary?

A Bursary is a means-tested form of student support. The actual amount awarded will depend on many factors including your financial situation and/or that of your household (parent(s) or spouse/partner).

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What does a Bursary cover?

If you are eligible for a Bursary, this will mean that you could be paid an allowance towards your maintenance, travel and course materials.

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Can I get help to cover additional costs as a result of my disability?

Financial assistance may be available to a student, who incurs additional costs as the result of a disability, learning difficulty or other additional learning requirements. For further information contact The Learning Development Centre:
Tel: 01224 612142
Email:

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Will I be eligible for an Aberdeen College Maintenance Bursary?

You may be considered for an Aberdeen College Maintenance Bursary if you:

• have been accepted as a full-time student on a non-advanced course;
• are able to fulfil residence conditions;
• meet the conditions relating to previous study (previous studies may affect your entitlement to Bursary support).

Students from (a) Orkney or Shetland should apply to their Islands Councils for Bursary support (b) England or Wales should apply to their Local Education Authorities and (c) Northern Ireland should apply to their Education and Libraries Board for support.

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How is a Bursary paid?

A Bursary is usually paid in instalments directly into your bank account. The first instalment is paid as soon as possible once you are enrolled at College. The first payment is unlikely to be made until the second week of your course at the very earliest. The remaining instalments will be paid in advance every four weeks.

Payment of a Bursary is dependent on attendance at College. If your attendance record falls below 90% your bursary will be withheld.

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What should I do if I am unsure of my entitlement to an EMA or Aberdeen College bursary, or if I am having difficulty with the application form?

If you are unsure about your entitlement to an EMA or Aberdeen College bursary, or if you are unsure of how to complete the application form, you should contact any of the following for advice: Aberdeen College Learner Services
Tel: 01224 612284
Email:
Please also see the section on state benefits and additional sources of funding (including Discretionary Fund and Childcare Fund).

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Funding for international students

The regulations regarding international students and tuition fees/student support are complex. If you have any questions about whether you will pay the 'home' or 'overseas' rate of fee for your course, or if there may be any financial support available to help you in your studies, please contact Learner Services to arrange an appointment with:
Zuzana Banicova
International Guidance Tutor
Tel: 01224 612635
Email:

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