How to get bursary money to help your teenager through college this year

The new term has started. Starting college can be expensive — bus passes, books, and specialist equipment quickly add up. If your teenager is 16 to 18 and in college or sixth form in England, there is help available. Their college has a fund set aside for this. It is called the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund.

The government gives money to every college and sixth form in England each year. Colleges use it to help students who face financial barriers to staying in education. That includes costs like travel, textbooks, equipment, and clothing for practical subjects.

Two ways to get help

There are two types of bursary.

The first is for students on Universal Credit in their own right. This means a young person who supports themselves financially. Students who receive PIP or DLA alongside Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance also qualify. These students can get up to £1,200 for the academic year. The college sets the exact amount based on what your teenager needs.

The second is a discretionary bursary. Every college runs a separate fund for students with financial barriers to education. If your household claims Universal Credit, you have a good case for this. Each college sets its own rules and amounts, but many low-income families do get help this way. You will not receive it automatically — you must ask.

What can the money pay for?

The bursary covers costs that directly support your teenager's education. Typical uses include:

• bus or train passes to get to and from college
• textbooks and course materials
• protective clothing or specialist equipment for practical subjects
• college trips that are part of the study programme

It cannot be used as general living support.

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How to apply

Contact your teenager's college or training provider — you do not apply to the government directly.

Ask the student services or finance team about their bursary fund. Tell them you claim Universal Credit. They will ask for evidence — usually your most recent UC award letter or bank statement. If your teenager claims UC themselves, they should bring their own award letter.

The deadline for colleges to submit funding claims is 11 November 2026. Ask now, rather than leaving it. The sooner your teenager applies, the sooner any money can be put in place.

Not sure if you qualify?

If you are unsure, Citizens Advice can walk you through your options at no cost.