Financial Information for Adult Education Students

Please note that all fees and concessionary rates are correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change. Please contact the Registry on 01273 546604 for further information, unless stated otherwise.

Concessionary Fees

If you are studying an accredited course at Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2 you may be eligible for a concessionary fee. If you fall into one of the following categories you will need to complete a self-declaration funding form and provide evidence of your means tested benefit. All evidence must be dated within three months of the course start date.

  • Claiming Job Seekers Allowance/Employment Support Allowance or Universal Credit
  • Receiving Universal Credit (UC) and your take home pay as recorded on your UC statement (disregarding UC payments and other benefits) is less than £617 per month (learner is sole adult in the benefit claim) or £988 per month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner).
  • Earning less than £20,319 annual gross salary. You must provide evidence of your salary

All evidence must be dated within three months of the course start date.

Paying in Instalments

If your course costs more than £200 you may apply to pay in three instalments. You will need to complete and sign an instalment form. The first payment will be taken immediately, followed by a further payment at the start of the course and a final payment two months later. Please note that a handling charge of 10% of the course fee (up to a maximum of £30) is added to all instalment payments. You will still be liable for the full cost of the course if you leave the course prior to all instalments being paid. Please call Registry on 01273 546604 to arrange an instalment plan.

19+ Advanced Learning Loans for Level 3/4 Qualifications

Students over 19 years old wishing to study a Level 3 or 4 course (CACHE, Counselling) may apply for an Advanced Learning Loan from the UK Government. The minimum loan amount is £300 and loans do not have to be repaid until your income exceeds £27,295 per year. For further information visit www.gov.uk/advancedlearningloans. If you decide to fund all or part of your course in this way please advise us of this on enrolment or on your application form.

Non - UK Students

If you come from a country outside of the European Union, examination courses may be priced differently from the fees shown in this brochure. You may need to provide your passport or Home Office papers to see if you are eligible to pay the same fees as EU learners.

Refunds

No refunds are given once a course has started. If a course is cancelled by the college you will receive a full refund of all fees paid. If you decide to cancel your enrolment before the class starts your payment will be refunded less a 20% administration charge (up to a maximum of £50). All refunds will be processed within 14 working days.

Gift Vouchers

Why not give your loved one or a friend a Varndean Adult Education gift voucher for their birthday or Christmas. They can use this towards a course of their choice. Prospective learners must be 16 or over. Please contact the Adult Education office on 01273 546602 or email commed@varndean.ac.uk for more information.