If you are aged 18 or over or attain the age of 18 during the current academic year and are enrolled on a full-time nationally validated vocational course, or a part-time course (with the exception of Part-time A level) you may be eligible for financial help from the Support Fund. This is not a loan; it doesn’t have to be paid back. You must have applied for all other relevant sources of funding (e.g. Student Finance NI, FE Full Time and Part Time Awards etc) before applying for Support Funds.

Please note applications for the academic year 2009 to 2010 will not be available to download until the first day of term in September

The Support Fund criteria is as follows:

1. Students must be enrolled on a full-time or part-time nationally validated vocational course at LEVELS 1 to 5, listed on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ) or prescribed list of courses (with the exception of Part-time A level)
2. Students must be at least 18 or attain the age of 18 during the academic year 1/7/08 to last day of term in June 2009.
3. Students must meet the residency requirements. If you are a non UK national you must complete the Support Fund Residency Sub Form. (This will be given to you when you submit this application.) Evidence will be required to support your Residency.
4. Support Funds are only available to students studying to achieve an enhanced level of qualification. A student who is not progressing may be awarded support for 50% of the tuition fees.
5. Students must have explored all other avenues of assistance before applying to the Support Funds. Students on Higher Education courses MUST have agreed to take the full amount offered to them by Student Finance N.I.
6. Support Funds are NOT available to students who are repeating courses/modules.
7. Support funds is not available to students in receipt of EMA
8. Additional criteria may be introduced or existing criteria relaxed if the funding is not sufficient to meet the number of applications received OR if the number of applications is low and therefore additional funds are available.

Support Fund application forms are available at the following locations:

• Student Finance Office, Brunswick Street
• Guidance & Counselling Offices at each main College site
• Rosy Laing, Castlereagh Campus
• Download from link below

You must read this information before completing the support fund application form.

Support Fund Guidelines and Criteria

Support Fund Application