Joining East Sussex College is an investment in your future. We are here to help you take a step closer to the career you really want, which is why finance shouldn't be something that gets in your way.

Depending on your circumstances and household income, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help with the cost of travel, compulsory visits and equipment/materials/kit and childcare.

If you are worrying that finances might hold you back, just give us a call, give us an email or pop into Student Central where our friendly staff will advise you about the support which might be available in your particular case and what you need to do next.


Get In Touch:

Eastbourne/Newhaven: Eastbourne.Admissions@escg.ac.uk

Eastbourne/Lewes/Newhaven Financial Assistance: Ebnlewes.Bursary@escg.ac.uk

Lewes: Lewes.Admissions@escg.ac.uk

Hastings: Hastings.Admissions@escg.ac.uk

Hastings Financial Assistance: Hastings.Bursary@escg.ac.uk

Students (or their families) who are in receipt of eligible benefits or have a low income, and are studying a course that leads to a government funded qualification, may be eligible for an award from the discretionary Bursary Fund towards the cost of travel including work placements, compulsory visits and equipment/materials/kit needed for their course. Eligibility criteria will apply.

Please note funds are limited and eligibility is no guarantee that an award will be made.

Students who are in care, leaving care, claiming Income Support or Universal Credit in their own name, in receipt of (ESA) Employment & Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment and (ESA) Employment & Support Allowance in their own name will be able to apply for the Bursary of up to £1,200 per year. The award will be dependent on individual needs as well as course.

Please apply online: https://escg.paymystudent.com/portal/

Young parents under 20 at the start of the course may be entitled for help with childcare costs up to £160 per week whilst studying. The childcare provider must be Ofsted registered. You may also get help with the additional travel costs you have to pay so you can take your child from home to the childcare provider.

Find out more about Care to Learn at www.gov.uk/care-to-learn or by calling 0800 121 8989.

Students who are, or who have parents, in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for free meals whilst at College.

Eligible benefits for Free Meals:

  • Income Support

  • Income – based Jobseekers Allowance

  • Income – related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

  • The guarantee element of State Pension Credit

  • Child Tax Credit (provided that they are not entitled to working tax credit) and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190-00, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs

  • Working Tax Credit run – on – paid 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

  • Universal Credits with net earnings not exceeding the equivalent of £7,400 per annum (after tax and not including any benefits you get - see below for self-employed)

Application for Free Meals is made on the Bursary application form.