Financial Support
We understand that managing money while studying can feel overwhelming, especially right now. That’s why we offer a wide range of financial support to help you succeed, whatever your circumstances.
Your helping hand
From help with travel, childcare, meals, course materials, tuition fees, and more, our bursary and funding packages are designed to make college life more accessible and affordable.
Applications for 2025/26 are now open. Read below to find out the types of financial support on offer.
16–19 Bursary Fund
If you’re aged 16–18 (or 19+ continuing a course you started before your 19th birthday), you could receive help with:
- Travel to and from college
- Learning materials and course equipment
- College meals and trips.
Eligibility criteria apply, including a household income below £40,000 (or £50,000 for travel-only support). Funds are limited, so we encourage early applications.
Free College Meals
You may qualify for Free College Meals or our Meal Card Scheme, which both provide £5 per timetabled day to spend at our food outlets using your Student ID card.
Our food outlets offer a £5 Meal Deal daily, with plenty of choice on offer. We always try to accommodate common dietary requirements such as gluten-intolerance, vegetarianism, and veganism.
You may be eligible if your household receives benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Child Tax Credit.
Childcare Support
We offer help for students who are also parents:
- Under 20s: Strode College administers the Care to Learn scheme, which supports childcare and related transport costs.
- Age 20+: Our Childcare Fund may cover up to 90% of registered childcare costs, based on household income.
Applications are made through our Online Student Portal. If you need help accessing this, speak directly to your tutor.
Travel Support
We can help cover the most cost-effective travel method, usually by bus, up to a maximum of £6 per timetabled day.
Your daily travel contribution depends on your household income.
Emergency Meals
If you’re experiencing severe financial hardship, we can provide emergency meal support while longer-term funding (like the 16–19 Bursary) is being arranged. This offers £5 per day, up to 7 days.
19+ Learner Support Funds
Students aged 19+ can get help with:
- Tuition fees
- Travel
- Childcare
- Course materials.
Income thresholds apply:
- Single: under £26,500
- Joint: under £40,000
Students with an Advanced Learner Loan may also access a separate bursary.
Vulnerable Groups Bursary
If you’re under 19 and meet specific criteria, you could receive up to £1,200. You may be eligible if you are:
- In care or leaving care
- Receiving Universal Credit, ESA and PIP, or Income Support
- An unaccompanied asylum-seeking young person under local authority care.
The amount is based on financial need and course duration. Apply via our Online Student Portal. If you need help accessing this, speak directly to your tutor.
UCS Alumni Bursary
If you’re progressing from a Level 3 course with us directly into a degree at University Centre Somerset, you could receive a £1,000 bursary:
- £500 in Year 1
- £500 in Year 2
Make sure we are listed as your current college on your UCAS application.
Bishop Fox’s Educational Foundation Grant
Are you aged 11–24, living or studying in the former Borough of Taunton Deane, and need help to continue your education?
You could be eligible for support from this external charity. Find out more by visiting their website.
…and more!
If you have any questions or queries regarding our financial support offers, we are here to help.
Get in touch with our Information & Advice Team by emailing info@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk, calling 01278 455464, or by coming to Reception at the college.
Use the Pay My Student Portal
All bursary applications are made via our secure, easy-to-use Pay My Student platform. Don’t forget:
- Applications must be submitted every academic year
- You’ll need to upload evidence (e.g. income details)
- Both students and parents/carers must sign when required
- Incomplete applications won’t be processed
- Fund are limited – apply early for the best chance of support.
Please read our ‘How To’ Guide to help you access the portal and submit your application step-by-step. The guide includes instructions on how to upload evidence, complete the required sections, and electronically sign your application.
If you’re looking for a more personalised account of what financial support you may be entitled to, or are struggling to identify your entitlements from the information provided above, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Student Support Team by emailing studentsupport@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk.
We believe student support is essential to a successful learning experience; you can find out everything you need to know by visiting our Student Support hub.
There are several options to pay, including contactless, cash or meal cards.
Remember to check if you and/or your young person are entitled to free school meals.
We offer a wide range of trips, some of which are fully-funded whilst others are not. We always try to ensure affordability, and provide avenues for students to explore fundraising and/or access to government supported schemes.
For more information, the best person to contact in the first instance is your Personal Tutor. They’ll be able to provide details regarding specific trips and visits, and direct you to help if needed.
Helpful information
Wellbeing
Everyone’s journey is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. We get that College can sometimes be challenging. That’s why we offer a wide range of support services that you can access throughout your time with us.
Student Support
Student Support provides the essential scaffolding that enables every learner to overcome barriers, thrive academically, and prepare confidently for their next steps in life or work.
Term Dates
Planning ahead? Our academic calendar includes key term dates, bank holidays,
scheduled breaks, and Somerset school holiday alignment, so you can stay informed and
organised throughout the year.