Lancashire County Council realise that making the decision to study a higher education course is a big step and the offer of financial help can be crucial. Lancashire County Council is committed to providing high quality information, advice and guidance to help people make the right choice.

Financial support may be available to you so contact Lancashire Student Services at Lancashire County Council for information, advice and guidance and to request our literature on what financial assistance is available to young people and adults wanting to participate in further and higher education.

Applying is easy! There is a combined application process for grants and loans, all full-time students are encouraged to make an application online, part-time students can download a paper form by accessing www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance.

Applications for higher education student finance are processed by Student Finance England and students should contact 0845 300 5090 for all enquiries relating to the progress of their application.

EMA

The EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) allows students aged 16, 17 and 18 who are about to leave school the opportunity to earn up to £30 a week for staying in further education.

To find out more about EMA and if you are eligible visit the EMA website.

Student loans company

If you are planning on taking a course at a college or university you are probably entitled to a loan from the students loan company.

The Student Loans Company (SLC) is a UK public sector organisation established to provide financial services, in terms of loans and grants, to over one million students annually, in colleges and universities across the four education systems of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Adult learning grant

Thinking about going back to college but worried about money? An Adult learning grant (ALG) could help. To find out more information about the Adult learning grant see the DirectGov ALG website.