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Full-Time (Non-Advanced)

 

I am studying a full-time non-advanced course (e.g National Certificate (NC), 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 Funding 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) -

if your date of birth falls between  30th August  1993 and  29th February  1996 you may be eligible for the award of an EMA from 29th August2011. If your date of birth is between 1 October 1995 and 29 February1996, your eligibility for the award of EMA will come into effect from 9th January2012. The award of an EMA is dependent on household income.

For detailed information about the EMA scheme please visit the EMA Scotland website:
www.emascotland.com

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 2 miles from College.

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

However, if your date of birth falls between 1 October 1995 and 29 February 1996 you will be an Exceptional Entrant to College (Winter Leaver) and you will not be eligible for Materials and Travel Bursary until 9 January 2012.


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 23rd December 2011.

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

You should complete the Funding 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 closing dates detailed in the Funding Information Guide supplied with the application form.

CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS 2010/11
Courses starting in August 2011                                           30th November 2011
Courses starting in November 2011/February 2012                     31st March 2012
 Exceptional Entrants (Winter Leavers)                             29th February 2012

EMA applications submitted after the 6th week from the start date of the course will only be assessed from the date of submission, and will not be backdated to the start date of the course.

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What is an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)?

It is a weekly payment, based on the household income, worth £30 and is to maintain the student.

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How are EMAs paid?

The EMA will be paid every two weeks in arrears into your bank account providing you meet the terms and conditions of a Learning Agreement which you will sign at the start of your course. Payments are not made during any of the College holidays, including the October break, at Christmas and Easter.

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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 get course fee waiver award, be paid an allowance towards your maintenance, travel and course materials. You must submit the completed Aberdeen College Non-Advanced Bursary-EMA Form which can be accessed from:

http://studentnet.abcol.ac.uk/help/money_matters/Pages/default.aspx

or paper version can be requested by contacting Learner Services Reception on 01224 612284.

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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: ldc@abcol.ac.uk

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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)
• are not in receipt of income replacement benefits(e.g. Income Support, Incapacity Benefit etc)

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  2 weeks in arrears and 2 weeks in advance on monthly basis. 

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?

If you are unsure about your entitlement to an EMA or Aberdeen College bursary you should contact Aberdeen College Learner Services
Tel: 01224 612284
Email: guidance@abcol.ac.uk
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: z.banicova@abcol.ac.uk

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