College, bursaries and apprenticeships 16–18
Education for 16–18 year olds is free for everyone in the UK — including asylum seekers. But there are important rules: the 16-19 Bursary for asylum seekers — only in kind, not cash (most colleges don't know this). Apprenticeships are only available to refugees, not asylum seekers. And there is a hard cliff edge at 18 for university if your case hasn't been decided yet.
Education 16–18 — by status
| Scheme | Asylum seeker | Refugee / HP | UASC |
|---|---|---|---|
| College/sixth-form (16–18) | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Home fee |
| 16-19 Bursary Vulnerable (up to £1,200) | ⚠ Only in kind | ✅ Cash | ✅ Cash |
| Discretionary Bursary | ⚠ Only in kind | ✅ Depends on college | ✅ Yes |
| Apprenticeship | ❌ NO | ✅ Exempt from 3-year test | ✅ Home-fee LAC |
| University (home fees) | ❌ International fees | ✅ Home fees + loan | ✅ Home fees |
Cash for asylum seekers — banned by law
«Under no circumstances can you give cash to any asylum seeker unless they are an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child.»
- Accompanied asylum seekers (not UASC) cannot receive cash Bursary or any cash payments
- The college can help: buy a travel pass, books, equipment — in kind
- This protects you: receiving cash while on NRPF = breaking your conditions
- Most colleges don't know this rule — show them the ESFA guidelines if needed
«I am an asylum seeker. I understand I cannot receive cash Bursary. Can you help me with: travel pass / bus card, course books, essential equipment, subsidised meals, uniform if required?» All of this — in kind — is allowed.
Apprenticeship — who can do it
For an apprenticeship you need: the right to work and 3 years' ordinary residence in the UK. Most asylum seekers do not meet the residence test even if they have permission to work.
Refugee status, Humanitarian Protection, UPES, ILR, EUSS settled — exempt from the 3-year residence test. Apprenticeship NMW for under-19 / first year: £8.00/hour from April 2026.
«Cliff edge at 18» — what happens with university
You arrived in the UK at age 5. You speak English like a native speaker. You are in sixth form. College is free. But when you turn 18 and want to go to university — if your parents' case hasn't been decided yet, you pay international fees (~£25,000/year) instead of home fees (~£9,250). And student finance is not available.
- Apply for status in your own right — at 16–17, if you have grounds (trafficking, UASC, your own fear of persecution)
- University Sanctuary Scholarships — research each university separately; many cover the fee difference
- Gap year strategy — wait for your parents' decision before applying
- Coram CLC 020 7636 8505 — legal advice for your specific situation
EMA — extra support
Frequently asked questions
Can asylum seekers study at college?
Yes. Education 16–18 is free for everyone. ESFA para 40(f) explicitly includes asylum seekers. 19+ courses may have residence requirements.
Why can't an asylum seeker get the Bursary in cash?
ESFA: "under no circumstances — cash to an asylum seeker unless UASC". Only in kind (travel pass, books). Most colleges don't know this rule.
Can asylum seekers take part in an apprenticeship?
No. You need the right to work + 3 years' ordinary residence. Refugees, HP, ILR, EUSS settled — full right.
What is the "cliff edge at 18" for university?
Children of refugees → home fees. Children of asylum seekers → international fees, no student finance. Strategies: apply for status, sanctuary scholarships, gap year.
What is the Vulnerable group Bursary?
16-19 Bursary Vulnerable — up to £1,200/year: for LAC, care leavers, people receiving UC+DLA/PIP in their own right. An asylum seeker can get it if they are UASC.