Quick tip: Please check these FAQs before contacting Student Services or joining the queue at Huddersfield Centre. You may find the answer you need here.
Do returning students need a new college ID card?
No. Returning students should bring their existing college ID card from last year to use on their first day. It will be reactivated automatically behind the scenes and should be ready to use.
What should I do if I have lost my college ID card?
Please visit Student Services or Reception to request a replacement. Please be aware that there may be a charge for replacing a lost card.
How long will my bursary application take to process?
During this particularly busy time of year, bursary applications can take up to four weeks to process. Please bear with us while we work through applications as quickly as possible.
How will I know the outcome of my application?
We will email the outcome to both your personal email address and your college email address. Please check both inboxes regularly, including your junk or spam folders.
Is my financial support in place as soon as I apply?
No. Financial support is not in place until you have received an award confirmation from Student Services. Until then, you will need to cover your own meals and travel costs where possible.
Should I submit another application or visit Student Services for an update?
Please do not submit a duplicate application. If it has been less than four weeks since you applied, there is no need to visit the desk or contact us for an update. Duplicate applications and repeated enquiries increase the volume of work and can delay processing.
What if waiting for support is affecting my attendance?
If financial difficulties are affecting your ability to attend college, engage with your course or remain on programme, speak to your Pastoral Mentor or tutor as soon as possible. They can help make Student Services aware of the situation.
I received support last year. Will I receive the same support this year?
Not necessarily. An award in a previous academic year does not guarantee the same award in 2026/27. Each application is considered for the current academic year and according to the student’s individual circumstances and needs.
Does meeting the household income threshold guarantee bursary support?
No. Bursary support is assessed according to individual need. Meeting an income threshold allows an application to be considered, but it does not automatically guarantee an award or a particular type of support.
Why have I been asked for more evidence or information?
Student Services may need additional evidence or clarification to understand your circumstances and confirm that any award is appropriate. This helps the college demonstrate that public funding is being used fairly and for its intended purpose.
Does receiving Free School Meals mean I will automatically receive the wider bursary?
No. Free School Meals and the wider bursary have different eligibility rules. A student may qualify for Free School Meals but not for other support such as travel, equipment or course-related costs.
Who is eligible for Free School Meals under the Universal Credit change?
Students from households receiving Universal Credit are now eligible for Free School Meals, regardless of household income. However, this does not automatically mean they will qualify for the wider bursary.
How does meal support work?
Eligible students receive £5 meals credit for each qualifying timetabled day. For 2026/27, you must be timetabled to attend college for at least four hours during the day to receive meals support.
Will I receive meals support when studying from home?
No. Meals support is linked to attendance at college and is not provided for days when you are studying from home or are not attending.
How is travel support provided?
Cash or BACS travel payments are no longer routinely made. Eligible students travelling by public transport will normally receive an MCard bus travel product to help them travel to and from college.
Can I use an MCard provided through the bursary for other journeys?
Bursary-funded travel support is provided specifically to help you travel to and from college. It must be used for its intended purpose.
Yes. Students receiving financial support are expected to maintain at least 85% attendance. Support may be reviewed, reduced, suspended or withdrawn if attendance falls below this level.
Can Student Services provide an emergency supermarket voucher?
No. Supermarket vouchers are no longer administered by Student Services. If you are experiencing immediate or emergency financial hardship, speak to your Pastoral Mentor, tutor or Safeguarding contact so they can advise you about the appropriate help available.
Regular confidential drop-ins will be available from the Locala Sexual Health Team and The Base, which provides drugs and alcohol information, advice and support. Dates, locations and access details will be shared with students and staff.