25/26 Learner Support Bursary Applications Update
Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to accept any further tuition fee bursary applications at this time.
We are still accepting applications for Study-Related Costs and Specific One-off Support, such as DSA contributions. However, funds are limited, so it’s likely to close soon.
OCA has Learner Support Scheme funding set by the trustees each academic year, to be used to support access and progression in Higher Education. Funding is available to cover a number of purposes, and those which students can apply for are outlined below.
All applications are subject to available funds in order of date received. The Learner Support Team will advise of your options if the funds for the year are fully allocated when you apply.
• Tuition Fee Bursaries
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Full details are included in section 6 of the Learner Support Scheme policy, but applicants will:-
- be studying within the UK;
- have an evidenced net household income under £25,000 for the last financial year; or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit (listed in 5.1.3 of the policy);
- meet any entry requirements of the chosen course;
- not be eligible for full funding through other sources, such as Student Finance funding.
Support can be applied for on a unit by unit basis as follows, per Section 6.4 of the policy:
Foundation – up to 75% of the unit fee
Undergraduate – up to 75% of the unit fee
Short Course – up to 50% of the unit fee
Postgraduate – up to 25% of the unit fee
• Study-Related Costs Bursaries
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Full details are available in section 7 of the Learner Support Scheme policy, but applicants will:
- have an evidenced net household income under £25,000 for the last financial year; or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit (listed in 5.1.3 of the policy);
- be able to apply once per unit.
Students applying for a tuition fee bursary can include an application for a study-related costs bursary on the same form. Students applying for a study-related costs bursary only can apply on the Student Support Bursary form.
• Specific One-off Support
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These bursaries can help with:-
- Up to £200 to cover the cost of the student’s contribution for a DSA-awarded computer or up to £250 reimbursement towards the cost of a new laptop / pc / tablet;
- Up to £500 towards the cost of a post-16 diagnostic assessment for dyslexia where scores on the British Dyslexia Association Adult Checklist are 45 or above, or where a student has a childhood diagnostic assessment that requires updating for DSA eligibility;
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Full details are available in section 8 of the Learner Support Scheme policy, but applicants will have an evidenced net household income under £25,000 for the last financial year.
Students applying for a tuition fee bursary can include an application for the computer contribution on the same form. For students who are not applying for a tuition fee bursary, this can be done on the Student Support Bursary form.