Fees and Concessions

Whilst every care has been made to ensure that all information, fees and charges are accurately displayed on our website, we reserve the right to make alterations to reflect changes in our course offer, facilities, qualifications and concessions. Please email our Information Centre for the latest information.

Do you have to pay fees?

Many students do not pay tuition fees because they are either:

• Under 19 years (unless they are on a full-cost course)
• Studying on a FREE course
• Eligible for concessionary fees.

See the Concessions info sheet for more details.

Tuition Fees

Fees, where stated, are displayed on individual course factsheets and are for one academic year, which runs from September until June. If you are not eligible for concessions, the 2012-13 full-time [Full-time courses consist of 12-16 hours study per week. International students on full-time courses must study a minimum of 15 hours per week.] course fee for FE [A further education course at Entry level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Includes pre-university and vocational qualifications.] courses is £1260 for new students (£5200 for overseas students).

If you are not eligible for funding, e.g. if the course is only funded for 16-18s and you are aged 19+, you will have to pay the full fee: £3000.

Part-time course fees vary from course to course depending on the number of hours you study and other factors.

Higher education course fees can be found here 

Full-cost courses

On some of our courses (mainly part-time and professional courses), no concessions apply and the full fee (which includes the college registration fee and any exam fees) must be paid at enrolment regardless of your age or status. This should be stated on the course factsheet.

Age restrictions

Most courses are suitable for students of all ages providing the entry requirements have been met. However, sometimes an awarding body may set a minimum age requirement for a course or, if a programme is government-funded, funding may only be available for students within a specific age range. Places on these courses may be available to other students if they meet the entry requirements, but these students may be required to pay the full cost of the course (£3000 for full-time [Full-time courses consist of 12-16 hours study per week. International students on full-time courses must study a minimum of 15 hours per week.] FE [A further education course at Entry level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Includes pre-university and vocational qualifications.] courses in 2012-13).

24+ Advanced Learning Loans

From September 2013, students (UK residents) aged 24 and over at the start of their Level 3 or Level 4 further education [A course at Entry level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Includes pre-university and vocational qualifications, full-time and part-time for all ages.] course (such as an Access course or Advanced Apprenticeship, for example) can apply for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to pay for the upfront costs of the qualification. It's very much like an HE [Higher Education ] student loan in that you will not have to start paying it back until you are earning over £21,000 per year. You can apply for the loan online.

Registration Fee

If you are 19+ years, you will be required to pay a college registration fee of £50 (2012-13 fee) when you enrol. This does not apply to those in receipt of a means-tested benefit. If your course states "no concessions" (full-cost course), the registration fee is usually already included in the fee stated.

Materials

On some courses there will be a charge for materials. Please ask for details from our Information Centre on 020 8326 2000, or email info@west-thames.ac.uk.

CRB Check Fee

On some courses (usually care and teaching courses) you may need to have a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check before you are accepted onto the course as you will be required to work with children or vulnerable people. The CRB fee for 2012-13 is £44. 

Payment of Fees

All fees must be paid when you enrol. We accept payment by credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, Switch/Maestro or Delta. Payment by instalments may be available. Please see the Payment by Instalments info sheet for details.

Refunds

Fees will be refunded if we cancel the course or if you have a medical certificate to withdraw you from the course due to ill health. Any request for a refund must be made in writing to the Chief Accountant.

Financial Support

Even if you don't have to pay tuition fees, covering the costs of being a student can sometimes be difficult. We offer financial support for home students to help with the cost of travelling to college, books and materials. Contact the Student Welfare and Support Adviser on 020 8326 2412 or email StudentWelfare@west-thames.ac.uk. You can also find out more in the Student Guide to Financial Support booklet.

Further Information

If you have any further questions about our fees, please phone 020 8326 2015 or email info@west-thames.ac.uk.