Full-Time Courses
Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 who have a valid EHCP and are studying a full-time course, do not have to pay a course fee. You may be required to pay a resource fee and educational visit costs; however financial support (Bursary) is available for those who need it (subject to family income level).
Students aged 19+ may be entitled to FREE or subsidised tuition fees, even if you are working.
Material Fees and Additional Costs
There may be additional costs for equipment and educational visits. Certain courses may require you to buy protective clothing, footwear and/or tools. This information will be given at your interview and will be payable at enrolment.
Part-Time Courses For Adults
Qualification Courses
Qualification Courses
FREE Tuition
FREE tuition may apply if you are aged 19+ on 31 August (the year your course starts) and if you satisfy one (or more) of the criteria below:
- You are working and earn less than £25,000 (annual gross salary), or £27,007.50 if you are resident in the GLA* area.
- Aged 19-23, studying or working towards your first full Level 2 or 3 qualification.
- Aged 19+, completing a qualification on the Free Courses For Jobs list and meet the earnings criteria.
- You receive any recognised state benefit (means tested benefits including JSA, ESA or UC).
FREE Maths & English courses
Courses will be FREE if you are 19+ and do not already have a grade 4/C (or above) in Maths or English GCSE.
Standard Fee
The Standard Fee will apply If you are aged 19+ on 31 August (the year your course starts) and meet the ASF (Adult Skills Fund) residency criteria, unless you’re eligible for financial support.
For Level 2 courses (or below) the Government will co-fund your fees if you are aged 19+ on 31 August (the year your course starts) and meet the ASF residency criteria. The fee you pay equates to approximately 50% or less of the Full Fee.
Full Fee
Full Fee will apply if you are aged 19+ on 31 August (the year your course starts) and you do not meet the ASF residency criteria.
You may also need to pay additional fees based on the course eg assessment fees.
Full Fee also applies if there is no Government funding for this qualification.
Remember, it’s always worth checking with our Client Services team to see what support you could be entitled to, as the rules and guidance can be complex and waivers are subject to change as per ESFA guidance.
Fees change annually inline with Government guidance and this pages is subject to change.
Short Courses
Short Courses
FREE Tuition
- FREE tuition may apply if you are aged 19+ on 31 August (the year you start your course), are taking a short course in the current academic year (note: you may be required to pay a small materials charge) and meet one of the following criteria:
- You are working and earn less than £25,000 (annual gross salary), or £27,007.50 if you are resident in the GLA* area.
- You receive any recognised state benefit (means tested benefits including JSA, ESA or UC).
Standard Fee
The Standard Fee will apply if you are aged 19+, unless you qualify for a concessionary fee.
Higher Education
Paying For Your Course
We offer a range of financial support options depending on your age and household income.
If tuition fees are applicable, these are payable annually. Fees quoted will be for the current academic year. Further fees will be payable in subsequent years for courses of more than 1 year duration.
Payment
Payment
All fees are payable on or before enrolment. For courses costing £400 or more, it may be possible to pay the fees by instalment; with the first instalment due at the time of enrolment. Instalment Agreements are available on request with at least 25% of the fee being due at enrolment.
Payments can be made by credit/debit card or bank transfer. We no longer accept payment by cash or cheque.
In exceptional circumstances eg financial hardship, please speak to a member of the Finance team who will discuss with you possible alternative options.
Fee Remission
If you are receiving certain means tested benefits you may be eligible for remission of tuition fees. Proof of benefit will need to be supplied at enrolment.
Free Tuition and Concessions
To qualify for free tuition or a concessionary fee, suitable evidence must be supplied when you enrol:
- For students with learning difficulties or disabilities we need to see a copy of your EHCP.
- For those in receipt of JSA, ESA, Universal Credit or other means-tested benefit, evidence must be supplied as an official letter (from a Government department). This letter must not be dated more than 3 months prior to enrolment and must clearly state your National Insurance number.
- For those on a low income, please provide evidence of your 3 most recent payslips.
If you do not qualify for free tuition or concessionary fees, payment must be made at least 2 weeks in advance of your enrolment. To discuss payment options, please contact the finance team.
Late Payment of Fees
The College reserves the right to charge 5% of the course fee for late payments outstanding 30 days after enrolment. This only applies to course fees without any payment arrangement.
Employer/Sponsor Undertaking Form
Please download and complete the Employer Undertaking Form if your Employer/Sponsor has agreed to pay your tuition fees and/or examinations/registration fees.
Refunds
Refunds
You will not normally be entitled to a refund unless your course is cancelled by the College. If in exceptional circumstances a written request for a refund is agreed, an administration fee of £50 will be applied, please refer to the Refund Policy at www.esc.ac.uk/fees-and-funding. Orbital South Colleges will abide by the Terms and Conditions of the Consumer Contracts Regulations.
All refunds will be processed via bank transfer or credit/debit card.
Cancellations
Cancellations
We may have to cancel sessions of courses in circumstances beyond our control, such as power failure, extreme weather or sudden staff sickness. The fee you pay is for the whole course, not a set number of weeks and hours. In the event of a cancelled session, we endeavour to ensure that any missed content is covered in the remaining available weeks.
Course Viability
Course Viability
The College runs courses in a cost-effective manner, and this will normally be determined by the number of students enrolled on a course. If at the start of the course the numbers are too low to make the course viable, the College reserves the right to cancel.
International Students
International Students
The Government has introduced new legislation limiting the number of international students able to study in the UK. For further details see www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk. At present time, we are not taking any applications from students who are currently residing overseas but will review this decision on a regular basis.
Need Help?
If you would like clarification on fees, payment terms or how to qualify for the Concessionary fee please contact Client Services on 01737 788444.
