Learner Support Bursary Applications Update
2026/27
Applications for continuing degree students are now open. The link to apply is available through your OCA Learn account, within the Learner Support Department here.
Applications will open for new students on 27 July 2026. The link to apply will be at the bottom of this page from 27 July 2026.
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.
This currently includes:
- Bursaries towards unit fees for Foundations, Undergraduate degrees, and Short Courses (eligibility: section 6 of the policy);
- Up to £200 per unit to help with study costs such as arts materials and equipment (eligibility: section 7 of the policy);
- One-off support (eligibility: section 8 of the policy)
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- Dyslexia testing (up to £500 – see 8.2.2 in the policy for discretionary increase)
- DSA computer contribution (£250)
- Up to £250 to cover the cost of a Laptop / PC / Tablet
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
Students can apply on a unit by unit basis, and bursaries will be for:
- 75% of the fees for a Foundation Course
- 75% of the fees for an Undergraduate Course
- 50% of the fees for a Short Course
*subject to available funds
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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.
• 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.
• Specific One-off Support
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 a net household income of less than £25,000 for the last complete tax year, or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit (listed in section 5.1.3 of the policy)
- Enrolled onto the relevant course
- Receive Student Finance but not eligible for support loans or grants
- Students who are not ordinarily resident and studying in the UK may apply for this bursary. If you are outside the UK you must meet the financial criteria listed in the eligibility section, and evidence must be submitted in English (with an official translation if required). Currency conversion (confirmed by OANDA) will be taken from the date on which you make your application.
What financial evidence will I need?
Employed:
– P60 / P45
– Wage slips from month 12 of tax week 53 showing ‘total paid to date’
Self-Employed:
– Letter from a Chartered or certified accountant confirming total income received in the last tax year
– HMRC Tax calculation
– P60, P11D or confirmation of earning from your chartered or certified accountant
Qualifying Benefit:
– Full Universal Credit statement
– Income Support
– Housing Benefit
– Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
– Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
– A reduction under the Council Tax Scheme (not including the single occupant reduction)
For dyslexia testing, applications will additionally need to include evidence (BDA checklist or childhood diagnosis) and quotes from local providers. If funding is agreed, we will need them to invoice OCA for payment.
For DSA computer contribution, applicants will need to provide a DSA2 award letter. If funding is agreed, we will need them to invoice OCA for payment.
For a Computer / Laptop / tablet contribution, applicants will need to include a receipt (less than one month old).
