Full Time (Further Education)
What Type of funding is available to me?
Tuition Fees
In most cases students studying on full-time non-advanced courses will not have to pay their own tuition fees providing that they are not repeating any area of study. However, you must apply to the Student Finance department so that your eligibility can be determined. If you do not meet the residency or other requirements you will have to pay your own tuition fees. If you require more information please contact the Student Finance office.
What Funding is available to support me when at college?
The Following may be available depending on individual circumstances:
- Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) - This Funding is available for students who are between the ages of 16 & 17 at the start date of the course and is paid fortnightly by the College.
- Bursary Maintenance Award - For Students who will be 18 years or over on the date their course starts.
- Materials and Travel Expenses - May be available from bursary funds depending on your age and eligibility.
The Scottish Government reserve the right to review the EMA programme at any time.
How do I apply for an EMA or Forth Valley College Bursary?
All Students who wish to apply for funding can pick up an application form and a Student Guide from several places these are:
The Student Centre in Falkirk
Main Reception In Alloa & Stirling Campuses
Please submit your application form including all relevant documentation as soon as possible.
Please note that Forth Valley College will not accept bursary forms without original copies of the required documentation, a list of what you need to bring in is included in your bursary form. If you need any further guidance do not hesitate to contact the Student Finance office.
Please note that not all students automatically qualify for an EMA or Bursary.
What is an Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)?
This is a weekly allowance based on household income, payments are £30 per week for eligible students who attend 100% of their course.
How are EMA's paid?
The EMA allowance will be paid every two weeks in arrears, into your bank account providing you meet the terms & conditions of the learning agreement that you sign at the start of your course.
Will payments of my EMA allowance depend on my attendance at college?
Payments will not be made if attendance falls below the required level without acceptable reasons. Payments are not made during the college holidays, in October, Christmas or Easter.
How will I receive help with materials and travel if I receive EMA?
Students who receive an EMA allowance may be eligible for support with course materials and travel from Forth Valley College's bursary fund. To claim for these the appropriate sections in the bursary/EMA application form must be completed.
What is a bursary?
A bursary is a means tested form of student support that is not repayable (with the exclusion of over payments). The actual amount awarded to each student will depend on many factors including your financial situation or that of your parent(s) or spouse/partner.
Will I be eligible for a Forth Valley College Bursary?
You may be considered for a bursary if you:
- Have been accepted on a full time course.
- Are studying a Non-Advanced course e.g. National Certificate (NC), National Qualification (NQ), Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ), Scottish Group Award (SGA).
- You fulfil the residency requirements (Normally 3 years in the British Islands and resident in Scotland or you are an EU citizen)
- Meet the conditions relating to previous study. (See below)
Students From
1) Orkney & Shetland should apply to their local councils for bursary support.
2) England & Wales should apply to their local education authorities.
3) Northern Ireland should apply to their Education and Libraries board for support.
All students should apply directly to Forth Valley College for EMA funding.
All students must apply within 6 weeks of starting their course in order for their money to be backdated, if they do not all funds will be assessed from the date of application!!
Can I apply for a Forth Valley College Bursary if I have previously undertaken
Full-time studies?
If you have undertaken any full-time studies since leaving school, you may not qualify for bursary support and it is recommended that you contact either a Student Finance Assistant, a Learner Advisor or come to the Student Finance Office as soon as possible. Further information on this is available in the student guide, which is available with the funding application form.
How are Forth Valley College bursaries paid?
College bursaries are paid directly into your bank account in monthly instalments, your first instalment will be paid as soon as possible once you are enrolled at the college and have signed your acceptance and the rest are paid in advance of your study.
Will payment of my bursary depend on my attendance at college?
Forth Valley College bursaries are dependent on your attendance at College. This is checked on a monthly basis and you must achieve 95% attendance in order to achieve your bursary. Please note that 95% attendance is a combination of timetabled classes and online Moodle study sessions.
What should I do if I am unsure about my entitlement or am having difficulty with my application form?
If you are unsure of how to complete your form or what you are entitled to please contact the student finance office by either phone 01324 403133 or by email
