Starting College this September? We’re excited to welcome you to our Campus — and to let you know that financial support applications for the 2026/27 academic year are now open. 

We know that starting College comes with lots of new costs, from equipment and uniform to travel and meals. That’s why we offer a range of financial support options to help make student life more affordable. 

Who is eligible to apply for financial support at College? 

You may be able to apply if one or more of the following applies to you: 

• You are a full-time student at Cheshire College  

• Your household income is under £40,000 a year  

• You have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)  

• You are in care or a recent care leaver  

• You receive Universal Credit, ESA, or PIP in your own name  

The amount of support available depends on your individual circumstances. You can find out more about funding eligibility here: Financial Support – Cheshire College South & West 

Not sure if you’re eligible to apply? Get in touch with our expert Bursary Team by sending an email to bursary@ccsw.ac.uk. 

What can financial support help with? 

If eligible, you could access financial support to help with paying for: 

• Course equipment and kit  

• Uniform costs  

• Free meals on Campus  

• Essential course trips and visits  

• Laptop loans for coursework  

• Childcare costs (if applicable)  

• Other additional study-related expenses  

What do I need before I apply? 

Before starting your application, make sure you have your student ID number ready. This helps us to link your application to your student record and process it correctly. 

You can usually find your student ID in: 

• Your course offer letter  

• Your course offer email  

• Any other emails you may have received from our Admissions Team 

If you can’t find your student ID number, please contact admissions@ccsw.ac.uk 
or bursary@ccsw.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to help with this. 

Will I need to submit any evidence to support my application? 

Yes – most new students will need to upload evidence, such as: 

• Proof of household income (e.g. 3 recent pay slips, P60)  

• Evidence of benefits (e.g. 3 months of Universal Credit statements)  

• ARC card or Asylum Seeker documentation (applies to any non-UK resident; you will need a valid UKVI share code) 

Your parents/carers may need to help you gather and upload these documents as part of the process.  

Will I get financial support next year as well? 

If your course lasts longer than one year, you’ll need to reapply for financial support and free transport each year, even if you’re receiving support this year. 

If your circumstances do change, or if you weren’t eligible this year, you may still be able to apply next year. You can also submit an application at any point during the academic year if your situation changes and you need extra support. 

When should I apply? 

Applications are now open for new students who will be joining us on Campus in September 2026. It’s best to apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application has been processed before your course begins. 

You can apply online and we’ll get in touch if we need any extra information to support your application. 

Who can I contact if I need help with my application? 

If you have any questions about financial support or free transport, our friendly Bursary and Transport Team are here to help. 

Email: bursary@ccsw.ac.uk 

Email: transport@ccsw.ac.uk 

Crewe Campus: 01270 654654 
Ellesmere Port and Chester Campuses: 01244 656555