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Course Fees
pdf Guide to Course Fees (145 KB)
Certain groups of learners are eligible for full funding from the ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency – the government body that provides statutory funding to colleges). This means they are not required to pay tuition fees.
If a learner is not eligible for ESFA funding, they will need to pay course fees, covering registration, tuition, examinations, and equipment costs.
Age Full Funding Note 16–18 No fees payable See additional costs below. Age is calculated as of 31 August in the current year. For learners aged 19+, age is calculated from the first day of your course. 19–23 Entry Level or Level 1 progressing to a first full Level 2 Excludes English, maths and ESOL 19–23 Studying their first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification See further guidance 19–23 Studying first full Level 4 qualification (without prior Level 3) 19–23 In the workplace studying Level 2 with maximum prior attainment of Level 1 19+ Studying GCSE English or maths without grades A*–C 24+ Studying up to Level 2 qualification to move into work (receiving JSA, ESA Work Related Activity Group or Universal Credit with skills training mandate) Funding Regulations from GOV.UK
Additional Costs for 16–18 Year Old Learners
Some additional charges may apply at South Bank Colleges, including:
- Specialist clothing or equipment needed for health and safety (students can borrow these free of charge if preferred).
- Discounted learning materials from college bookshops or online facilities.
- Late return fines for library books or equipment.
- Deposits for lockers, keys, ID cards (fully refundable unless lost or damaged).
- Charges for printing and photocopying (not part of tuition fees).
- Optional recreational facilities not linked to the study programme.
- Field trips, travel, or accommodation linked to courses.
- Optional extra activities such as museum or theatre trips.
- Replacement certificates or statements of results.
Additional Costs for Learners Aged 19 or Over
Exam fees may be charged if a student:
- Resits a previously failed exam.
- Fails to meet coursework or attendance requirements.
- Retakes an exam to improve their grade.
- Requests a re-mark of a public examination.
Decisions on charging are made by the College Leadership Group, considering any mitigating circumstances.
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Paying Your Fees
Tuition fees must usually be paid in full before the start of the course.
Exceptions where you can enrol without upfront payment:
- The course is fully funded.
- Your employer sponsors you and provides a purchase order or letter confirming payment.
- You have applied for an Advanced Learner Loan.
- You pay at least 50% of the fee upfront and arrange a recurring card payment (RCP) for the balance in three instalments.
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Advanced Learner Loans
Aged 19 or Over and Thinking About Further Education?
Most students aged 19 and over studying at Levels 3, 4, 5 or 6 can qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover tuition fees. No credit checks are required, and you only start repaying once you earn over £25,725 a year.
Do I Qualify?
- Aged 19 or over at the start of your course
- Living in the UK and resident for three years
- Studying at an approved college or training provider
- Enrolled on an eligible Level 3–6 course (e.g., Access to HE, Diplomas, Certificates)
Loans do not cover university degrees. For higher education funding, visit gov.uk/student-finance.
How to Apply
Apply online at gov.uk/advancedlearnerloan.
Financial Advice
For independent financial advice, visit Money Advice Service.
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Fees Paid by Your Employer
If your employer is covering your course fees, you must provide a signed letter or purchase order. If self-employed, you will need HMRC evidence of your status.
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Help with Childcare Costs
South Bank Colleges offers a Childcare Bursary for eligible home learners aged 19 or over who are:
- Unemployed and receiving benefits
- Employed on a household income of £27,000 or less
- Resident in the UK for at least 3 years
Priority is given to:
- Students enrolled on a current course
- Students aged 24+ taking out an Advanced Learner Loan
- Students continuing from the previous year
- Students with disabilities or learning difficulties
- Lone parents
Breakfast and after-school club support is available for eligible children aged 4–11, and for older children with disabilities.
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Bursary Scheme
South Bank Colleges offers bursaries to full-time students from low-income households. There are two types:
- Vulnerable Bursary – up to £1,200 per year
- Discretionary Bursary – amount based on circumstances
Bursary types vary depending on age and study programme. Early application is advised.
Low-Income Lambeth Resident Bursary
Additional bursaries for Lambeth residents are available via the Walcot Foundation. Click here to learn more.
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Free Meals for 16–18 Year Olds
If you are 16–18 and receive a bursary, you may qualify for free meals if your household receives:
- Income Support
- Income-Based JSA
- Income-Based ESA
- Child Tax Credits
- You are in care or a care leaver
Please complete the bursary form to apply.
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16–19 Tuition Fund
South Bank Colleges offers additional small group tuition in English, maths and other subjects to students aged 16–19 whose learning has been disrupted, supported by the pdf 16–19 Tuition Fund (135 KB) .
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Course Withdrawal Refunds and/or Fee Adjustment
- Refund or fee adjustment applications must be submitted within 4 weeks of last attendance.
- Refunds processed within 20 working days.
Refunds Are Available If:
- The course fails to start
- College closure or significant course changes
- Withdrawal at least 14 days before the start date (admin fee applies)
- Withdrawal for verified medical reasons
- Transfer to another course within 4 weeks
No Refunds Are Given If:
- Withdrawal for personal reasons
- Exclusion after disciplinary process
- Student Travel Card Discount
Access the full list of loan documents here.
