As further education learners head back to a new term, there is help available to FE students in Wales to support their studies as the cost-of-living crisis continues to effect people.
Full-time Further Education is Free
Full-time learners in Wales can access further education free of charge, regardless of age. Funding is also available for learners undertaking a range of part-time courses in further education, contact your FE college to find out what you could be entitled to.
Free Meals
You might be eligible for Free Meals for Learners during the college holidays. The Minister for Education and Welsh Language has recently extended this in Wales until the end of March 2023.
Help with study costs
If you’re aged 16-18, you could be eligible for £30 a week in Education Maintenance Allowance to help with the costs of full-time further education, like transport or meals.
If you’re 19 and over, you could qualify for a Welsh Government Learning Grant for further education to help with study costs. Full-time students can get up to £1,500 and up to £750 is available for part-time studies.
Financial hardship support
The Financial Contingency Fund can help eligible learners in a FE college who are facing financial difficulties. This could help with costs such as fees, course related costs, transport, meals, and childcare costs. The type of support provided, and eligibility is determined by the individual FE college.
Free Period Products
Your FE college has had funding to ensure access to period products, free of charge, in the most dignified way possible. The funding should be used to support everyone in the college community who needs access to period products, prioritising those from low-income households.
Help with transport costs
Help with transport costs to college may also be available. Contact your college or local authority to see if you should apply.
MyTravelPass provides up to 30% off travel costs in Wales. You must be aged 16 to 21 and the pass isn’t limited to just transport to school or college.
Further information
Visit Student Finance Wales or your FE college’s website for further advice and help on what financial support is available.
