Tuition Fees

If you are aged 16–18 (as of 31st August) and studying a full-time, government-funded course at NKC Gravesend College, you will not pay tuition or registration fees.

You may need to cover additional costs such as materials, books, uniform, or equipment, depending on your course.

Students from lower-income households may be eligible for a bursary to help with essential course costs and travel. Please visit the Student Financial Support page for more information.

If you are aged 19–23, you may need to pay tuition fees unless you qualify for government funding or a fee waiver.

In some cases, you may be eligible for free tuition if you do not already hold a full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification. Otherwise, you may be able to fund your course through an Advanced Learner Loan.

Bursaries may also be available to support with course-related costs and travel, depending on your household income. . Please visit the Student Financial Support page for more information.

If you are aged 24 or over as of 31st August, you will have to pay the full tuition fees unless you qualify for the unemployment waiver explained below, in which case the course tuition and registration fee will be waived. Depending on the course, there may be a materials fee, which you will have to pay at enrolment. Other course costs may include books, uniform or kit and equipment. Details of these costs can be obtained from the Curriculum Administrator for your course.

Can unemployed adults 24 and over study for free? 

Unemployed and in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) in the Income Support.

If you have been mandated to attend ‘Skills’ training by the Job Centre you may be funded for a skills training course up to and including Level 2 if the course will help you move into work. If you have not been ‘mandated’ to attend training, you may still be eligible for funding if your intention is to seek employment on completion of the course. (You will be required to sign a declaration to this effect).

Please note that if you start a full-time course, your benefits may be affected if you are considered ‘no longer available for work’. You are advised to check out your financial situation prior to enrolling on the course.

If you wish to take a Level 3 course (including ‘Access to Higher Education’ courses) you will have to pay for your tuition fees or take out an Advanced Learner Loan to fund your tuition. For further information on the Advanced Learner Loan, please click here.