Vulnerable bursary
Up to £1,200 / year
Discretionary
Provider sets criteria
Free meals
Income-assessed
Allocated by
ESFA
Vulnerable student bursary
A defined bursary of up to £1,200 a year is available to students in specific groups: those in care, care leavers, those receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in their own right, and disabled students receiving both ESA and PIP/DLA.
Discretionary bursary & free meals
Providers award discretionary bursaries to help with the costs of participation, using local eligibility criteria within ESFA rules. Free meals in further education are available to students who meet income-based eligibility, mirroring the school free school meals criteria.
Indicative summary only. Always confirm against the official source documents before making funding or compliance decisions.
Official sources
- 16 to 19 Bursary Fund guide — ESFA