If you meet any of the following criteria you may be eligible for free or discounted study depending on your selected course:

  • you are aged 19+ and receiving qualifying active benefits (e.g. Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit) when your course commences (take home pay is less than £345 a month single claimant or £552 a month joint claimant) and studying below Level 3
  • you are aged 19-23 and wish to study for your first full Level 2 qualification (BTEC L2, NVQ Level 2 or equivalent)
  • you are aged 19-23 and wish to study for your first Full Level 3 qualification (A Levels, BTEC Level 3, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent)
  • you are aged 24 or over and wish to study for a Level 3 qualification that appears on the National Skills Fund Level 3 list and do not already hold a Full Level 3 qualification or qualification that appears on the list
  • you are aged 19+ and either on Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit when your course commences, or on a low wage (earning below £20,319 a year) and wish to study a course on the National Skills Fund at Level 3
  • you are any age and wish to study Functional Skills or GCSE English and/or GCSE maths and do not already hold a grade 4/C or higher in GCSE English and/or GCSE maths.
  • you are aged under 19 on 31st August 2023
  • you are employed, studying below Level 3 and earn less than £20,319 when your course starts.

Please note - you must be in receipt of the qualifying benefit or earning a low wage when your course starts. The above information is correct as of May 2022 and is subject to change once the latest funding information for 2022/23 is released from the Education and Skills Funding Agency.


Information, advice and guidance

The Admissions Team are here to help. We can talk to you in confidence about your individual circumstances and what help is available to you.

We can also give advice about fees and check whether you are eligible for free or discounted study. Please email info@copc.ac.uk, call 023 9238 3131 (select option 3), chat with us online via our website or pop along to the College.


Financial support during your course

Students aged 19 and over may be eligible for help with the cost of childcare, travel, kit, uniform, equipment and other expenses associated with the cost of coming to College.

Support depends on your individual circumstances, so please contact the Student Finance Team to check your eligibility by emailing bursary@copc.ac.uk or by calling 023 9421 1980.


Ways to pay

All course fees are payable at the time of enrolment. If the annual course fee is more than £150 you may be able to pay by instalments (subject to agreement at enrolment) by direct debit. The first instalment must be paid by bank deposit or payment card on the day you enrol on to your course. This will usually be on the first day of your course.

If your course is being paid for by your employer, please obtain a purchase order number from your employer prior to enrolment. For all payments being paid by a third party, you will be asked to complete a sponsor form at enrolment.

All students remain liable for the full fees if you do not attend, withdraw or in the event of non-payment of invoice from your sponsor or loan.

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