This section is designed to provide you with various fees and funding information. Please read carefully because it may be that we can help you find funding for your course.
Please note, the College charges tuition fees to cover some or all of the cost of providing the course. For courses over more than one academic year, the tuition fee quoted is per year. This excludes assessment and registration fees.
Students in receipt of benefit
Recent changes in government policy mean that prospective students aged 19+ who are in receipt of Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Income Support or Employment Support Allowance (non Work Related Activity Group) and who wish to enter employment but require skills training to do so, are now eligible to pay the reduced fee for some or our classroom-based courses.
Please provide documentary evidence with your enrolment form to show that you are in receipt of one of the approved benefits. Please note that students in receipt of approved benefits must pay for any assessment/exam fees, plus equipment and registration charges.
It is the responsibility of the student to notify the College of any changes in circumstances affecting entitlement to fee remission. Call the Information Centre on 01252 407040 to find out if you are exempt from paying tuition fees.
Level 2 Entitlement
The Level 2 Entitlement (L2E) is a scheme to help adults from 19 years upwards to gain employability skills. If you are an adult who does not already have a full Level 2 qualification (i.e. you do not have 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C, an NVQ at Level 2 or an equivalent qualification), you may qualify for free tuition on a full Level 2 course. Please call the Information Centre on 01252 407040 to find out more.
Level 3 Entitlement
The Level 3 Entitlement (L3E) provides free tuition for adults aged over 19, but under 25, to pursue their first full Level 3 qualification (e.g. NVQ at Level 3 or 2 A Levels). Please note, it is not necessary to have already achieved a full Level 2, but you will need to be assessed by the College as having the ability and aptitude to complete a full Level 3 programme. Please also note that not all courses described as Level 3 qualify for this scheme. Call the Information Centre on 01252 407040 to find out more.
Discretionary Support Fund
Students are able to apply for an award if they are attending a part-time course and have lived in the UK for at least three years. You can apply for this scheme for a contribution towards the cost of your study (exclusions apply) and all applications are assessed.
Professional and Career Development Loans
These loans, previously known as Career Development Loans, are a deferred payment bank loan of generally between £300 and £8,000 to pay for costs involved in vocational training. To find out more call a Professional and Career Development Loan Advisor 0800 585505 or visit www.direct.gov.uk.
Adult Learning Grants
The Adult Learning Grant (ALG) is a means tested grant of up to £30 per week to support adults on certain full-time courses taking their first full Level 2 qualification, and adults aged 19-30 on full-time courses at Level 3 if appropriate. To find out more, contact the Information Centre on 01252 407040.
Learner Support Fund
This fund may be available to help you meet your course related costs, however there are certain exclusions including tuition fees. Eligibility to the fund is assessed through an application form which can be obtained from either the Student Finance Officer on 01252 407010 or from the Information Centre.
Higher Education Fee Grants
Students wishing to study a part-time Higher Education course can apply for financial assistance, (conditions apply) visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance for more information.
International student tuition fees
Tuition fees will vary for overseas students, contact the Admissions department for further information, email admissions@farn-ct.ac.uk.
Employer - sponsored students
Invoices can be issued for fees ONLY if your employer completes and authorises the 'Payment Details' section on the enrolment form.
The following conditions apply when an employer takes responsibility for a student's fee:
- The Company agrees to pay the tuition fees, assessment fees and registration fees for the named student for the current academic year
- The student cannot be enrolled or admitted to classes until the 'Payment Details' section has been authorised
- Payment will be made in full immediately on receipt of the College's invoice
- Employers signing the 'Payment Details' section are responsible for the fees of the named student whether he or she remains in their employ or not
Assessments and registration fees
All students are liable for these costs, even if claiming free tuition. In most cases assessments and registrations are paid in full at enrolment.
Instalments
If your tuition fee is more than £200 and the course lasts for at least 25 weeks you may pay by three instalments. A 10% surcharge is payable with the first instalment.
Making a payment
- Cheques - must be made payable to 'Farnborough College of Technology'
- Credit/Debit Card - The College does not accept American Express or Diners Club and please note that electron swipe only cards can only be processed in person during office hours at the College. To authorise card payments, the College needs your card security code and cardholder's address details.
Refunds and withdrawals
From 1st June 2010 the following Refund and Withdrawals policy will apply. The successful provision of courses depends upon the fees students pay. Courses can only be started if the income for the course is sufficient to cover all the costs involved.
The College, therefore, cannot refund course fees except in the following circumstances:-
1. Your course is cancelled before it starts, or is closed by the College and no suitable alternative is available.
2. You suffer a serious illness; refunds may be made on a pro-rata basis on the production of a medical certificate (please note examination and registration fees can only be refunded provided your registration has not been completed with the awarding body).
3. You withdraw before the start date of your course, however there will be an administration fee of £30 charged.
A refund form is available from your departmental administration office or the Information Centre and must be completed and returned to your departmental administration office together with the original receipt, certificate of enrolment and supporting medical documentation.
If you withdraw from your course for any reason other than those stated above, any outstanding instalment payments will be collected by the College.
The information provided above is correct as of October 2011 but may be subject to change. Please contact the Information Centre on 01252 407040 for further clarification.