Money matters and we understand that. Below you will find useful links to resources to help you manage your finances and save money.
Advanced learner loans
If you are 19+ an Advanced Learner Loan is an affordable way to help with the cost of your course!
The Advanced Learning Loan is a student loan that is not subject to means testing, available through the Student Loans Company (SLC) to cover tuition fees for courses ranging from Level 3 to Level 6. The Student Loans Company facilitates direct payments to the British Academy of Jewellery, allowing you to concentrate on your learning without the burden of managing the financial aspect.
Am I eligible for a bursary or additional funding?
For more information regarding additional funding, please speak with the recruitment team.
Are you feeling worried or anxious about your money matters?
Worrying about money can really take a toll on our mental well-being, and sometimes our mental health can make it tough to handle our finances. It’s like they’re connected in this big circle!
With the cost of living going up all the time, it’s no wonder many of us feel more stressed about money. That’s why it’s super important to know how to take care of your mental health, especially when dealing with money stuff.
Take a look at NHS Money Worries and Mental Health to discover ways to maintain your mental well-being while navigating financial challenges.
Further Education learners should reach out to the Safeguarding & Pastoral Care Team via Canvas.
Higher Education students should contact the HE Student Services team here.
Benefits and universal credit
Budgeting
Budgeting can be a difficult concept to grasp. We recommend using the free Budget Planner provided by Money Helper.
For more information visit: moneyhelper.org.uk
Childcare
There are schemes available to help with the cost of childcare whilst you study.
Further education
You can apply for Learner Support to pay for childcare if you’re 20 or over and in further education, for example studying Level 3 Business Diploma or Level 3 Diploma in Jewellery Design & Manufacturing at BAJ.
You could also get weekly payments through Care to Learn.
Higher education
You can apply for a Childcare Grant if you’re in full-time higher education to pay for childcare costs for children:
- under 15
- under 17 if they have special needs
For more information visit: gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/support-while-you-study
Cost of living support and advice
The cost of essential goods is on the rise, as you’ve likely noticed during your trips to the supermarket and when reviewing your monthly expenses. Inflation and interest rate hikes are affecting the purchasing power of your money.
If you find yourself struggling to keep up with bills or resorting to debt to cover expenses, it’s crucial to take proactive steps. Exploring options for additional financial support, such as cost-of-living adjustments, the Household Support Fund, and Universal Credit, could help augment your income.
Whether you’re concerned about escalating rent prices, managing increased energy expenses, or addressing debt, MoneyHelper has curated a collection of practical tools, calculators, and guides to assist you in maintaining financial stability.
Take a look here.
Council tax discount
You may be entitled to a discount on your Council Tax as a student.
Find out more here.
Discounts, deals & offers
Fraud & cyber crime
Use a strong password
Creating a strong password is vital. We recommend all passwords must surpass 8 characters, and incorporate a blend of symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters. They should not be reused. Following the Cyber Aware campaign’s recommendation, opt for three random words. These can be arranged in any sequence, and you can still include numbers or special characters. For instance, consider a password like 9purpleBottlesHedg!ng27. However, refrain from using easily guessable words or phrases like TheJewelleryAcademy.Multi-factor authentication
In addition to establishing a strong password, we recommend every student enables multi-factor authentication for their accounts. This approach offers dual layers of security, ensuring that even if a hacker manages to guess your password, there’s an extra security barrier in place to prevent unauthorised access to your accounts.Be cautious of phishing scams
Phishing attacks represent significant cybersecurity risks due to their high susceptibility. In such attacks, hackers impersonate familiar entities to deceive recipients into opening malicious links, disclosing vital credentials, or activating software that infects their systems with viruses. The most effective method to guard against phishing scams is to refrain from interacting with emails from unknown senders, scrutinise for grammatical errors or inconsistencies in suspicious emails, and hover over any links received to verify their destinations.
Opening a student bank account
A student bank account is a current account with extra features you can use while studying at university.
There is great advice on picking the best account for you from Save the Student.
Student finance england loans
Travel discounts
Worried about getting into debt?
There are a lot of organisations dedicated to providing you with financial support. We recommend reaching out to the Citizens Advice for free advice.
Feeling low or anxious is a normal response when you’re struggling with debt or managing your finances. If you need support with your mental health it is always best to seek the help of a licenced practitioner.
Working whilst studying
Juggling work and studies can be financially and professionally rewarding, but balancing earning and learning can be challenging. Success in this endeavour requires strong discipline and access to a solid support network.
For more information speak with your tutor or student services.
If you are working whilst studying, ensure you are aware of your tax and national insurance obligations. For more information, visit gov.uk/student-jobs-paying-tax.
If you are an international student, please be aware there are restrictions on working. For more information, please visit gov.uk/student-visa.
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