bimm financial support
BIMM Brighton is a private vocational training provider. Different levels of funding can be accessed for students depending on course, age and individual learning requirements.

Residents outside the European Union unfortunately do not qualify for financial assistance.

funding options in 2009/2010

Further Education funding

	Certificate
	Diploma

Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

	Available for students aged 16, 17 and 18.
	Household income needs to be below £30,810 for the tax year 08/09 to be eligible.
	A student's part-time job is not taken into account when calculating household income.
	EMA payments are from £10 - £30 a week depending on household income.

For more information and how to apply see the website: www.direct.gov.uk/ema

Or call the EMA helpline on 0808 10 16219

Adult Learning Grant

	Similar to the EMA grant but are for mature students (Aged 19 and over).
	Only for students who are studying for their first qualification at level 2 or 3*.
	Payments can be up to £30 a week depending on household income.
	These grants are only available in certain areas of the UK and Sussex is one of them.

* Level 2 is the equivalent of 5 GCSE's and Level 3 is the equivalent of 2 A-levels.

For more information and how to apply see the website: www.adultlearninggrant.com

Or call the helpline on 0800 100 900

Career Development Loans (CDLs)

	A government-sponsored scheme available through three high street banks; Barclays, RBS and the Co-operative bank.
	If eligible you can borrow from £300 - £8000 for course fees and related expenses.
	Repayment of the loan will start two months after completing the course
	You need to be living in Great Britain and be over 18 years old to apply.

Please take into account that you have to start paying back this type of loan two months after your course finishes regardless of your situation. For this reason we do not recommend this type of loan for students who may wish to progress to another course at BIMM the following year.

Note: CDLs are also available for higher education courses.

For more information on CDLs see the following websites: www.direct.gov.uk/cdl

Residential Pilot Scheme

	Supports students needing to attend specialist courses beyond local and affordable daily travel.
	Assistance on residential accommodation and associated travel costs may be available if you're eligible.
	Student must be studying for their first qualification at level 2 or 3*.
	Only eligible if you do not live within reasonable travelling distance from BIMM and similar courses are not locally available.

An un-reasonable travelling distance is defined as:

	A return daily journey taking more than 2 hours; or
	A distance of over 15 miles from the college to the students home; or
	A journey that requires more than one change on public transport.

* Level 2 is the equivalent of 4 GCSE's and Level 3 is the equivalent of 2 A-levels.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply visit the website: www.moneytolearn.direct.gov.uk

Higher Education Funding

	Professional Diploma
	Foundation Degree
	BA Honours

Student Loans

Student loans are government supported; your Local Education Authority processes your application and undertakes any financial assessment. The Student Loan Company is then responsible for the administration of your loan.

	Students are able to apply for a tuition fee loan for up to £3,145 (2008/2009) a year to help pay their course fees. This loan is not means tested
	An additional loan is also available to help with living expenses. This loan is means tested and is a maximum of £4,625 a year (2008/2009).
	Accompanying the Maintenance Loan is a non-repayable, income assessed grant that if you are eligible, may be worth up to £2,835 a year.
	Student loans are only repayable once your earnings have exceeded £15,000 a year. Repayment is at a rate of 9% of your earnings above £15,000.

You can apply for a student loan from March 2009 onwards, the sooner you apply the sooner you will know how much financial help you will be receiving, which in turn will help you budget for the academic year ahead.

To apply, contact your Local Education Authority (LEA) for a PN1 form, you can also apply online or download a form at: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

You can find details of your LEA in the phone book or at: www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport/