Bursary
16-19 Bursary Fund
Some students are eligible for financial support for the costs that they might encounter as part of their studies. Find out your eligibility and what might be on offer for you.
- Is your household income £30,000* or below OR are you in care, a care leaver or living independently?
- Are you struggling to afford to come to College?
- Did you receive free meals at school and think you might still be eligible?
The 16-19 bursary may be able to help with the cost of travel, free meals, DBS or CSCS cards, academy fees, essential books, equipment and specialist clothing and essential trips and visits.
Click here to view 16-19 Bursary Information 2023-24, including information about eligibility and evidence required.
If your household income is between £30k – £50k you are eligible for travel support. Apply for bursary below and we will be in touch soon.
*Information is accurate for 2023-2024 academic year. Household income thresholds and financial support awards may be subject to change.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Bursary Advisors on:
Email: bursary@exe-coll.ac.uk
Telephone: 01392 400526
BURSARY APPLICATIONS – NOW OPEN FOR 2023/24 ACADEMIC YEAR
For PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
who are applying to start in the 2023-24 academic year
For CURRENT or RETURNING STUDENTS
who are currently studying at Exeter College or have been previously enrolled but are returning to study in the 2023-24 academic year
If you are unable to apply using our online system, please click here to leave your details and request that a paper form is posted to you.

Travelling to College
Did you know? If you are eligible for our bursary and you live more than 3 miles from Exeter College you can apply for free travel. Our Travel team will write to you over the summer to let you know. But you can apply for the bursary by using the forms accessible above.
Free meals
Were you entitled to Free School Meals? If so, you may be entitled to Free Meals whilst studying at college…
Students aged 16-18 at the start of their course (or continuing on a study programme you began aged 16 to 18 (19+ continuers) or have an EHCP) will be eligible to receive a free meal for the days you are attending college if you or your parents are in receipt of one or more of a qualifying benefit:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (providing you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC))
- Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after someone stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit with net earnings not exceeding the equivalent of £7,400 pa
If you think you might be eligible please use the link above to apply, or for more information contact our Bursary Advisors on bursary@exe-coll.ac.uk or 01392 400526.


Support if you have a child
Students under 20 years old can get financial help with their childcare costs from Care to Learn.
Care to Learn will pay for:
- Childcare costs while you learn
- A deposit if one is charged
- Travel expenses to and from your child care provider
Please note: This link will open a third party website, Exeter College is not responsible for the contents
Residential Support Scheme
The Residential Support Scheme provides financial support with accommodation costs for learners (aged between 16 and 18) who need to live away from home to study because their course is not available locally (this will need to be confirmed by the ESFA).
If you think you might be eligible and want to apply, you can contact Exeter College’s Bursary Advisors on 01392 400526.
Army bursary scheme
If you are keen to go into the Army at the end of your college course and are doing a full time vocational course or A Levels, find out about the Army Bursary Scheme.
Visit www.army.mod.uk or talk to a college adviser before completing your application.