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Support for Asylum Seekers

At City College Plymouth, we are committed to providing comprehensive support to asylum seekers who are pursuing their education. Regardless of status, we offer various forms of assistance to help you succeed in your studies.

If you’re an asylum seeker aged 16-18, you may be eligible for free meals on study days, travel assistance, and essential learning materials. For those studying ESOL programmes, support is available depending on your status, whether you have access to public funds or are awaiting immigration decisions. We understand the unique challenges you may face, and we’re here to help with everything from transportation to financial assistance.

Support Available

Asylum Seekers 16-18
  • free College meal on study days on campus
  • travel assistance* 
  • starter stationary kit
  • equipment/books.*

*Bus pass available for students living more than three miles from the campus OR contribution payments for trains or areas not serviced by buses

Breakfast Club

  • every student can access a free breakfast on College days
  • available from the Refectory between 7.30am – 11.00am
  • choose from hot breakfast baps/wraps and a healthy breakfast bar
  • hot/cold drinks available
  • gluten free/vegan options available upon request

Asylum Seeker Students/ESOL

Eligible to access fund
  • students under Local Authority Care/care leaver (Section 20) 
  • students who have settled status (ARC Card – Application registration card) issued by the Home Office – this allows them to work/study and access public funds (benefits)
  • indefinite leave to remain status – Biometric Card
  • you will need to provide evidence of the above 
  • local authority letter or ARC Card or Biometric Card.

Asylum Seeker Students/ESOL

No eligibility for public funds
  • students who have left Local Authority Care (aged out) and yet to receive a determination of immigration status
  • students currently awaiting the outcome of the screening process – note that this process can take up to 12 months or more.

Student who are provided with accomodation inclusive of full board are issued with  a weekly payment for essentials (£8.86pp in household) – via ASPEN cards

Students who are provided with self-catering accommodation (contingency accomodation) are issued with a weekly payment for essentials (£49.18pp in household) – via Aspen Cards

Students who are provided with self-catering dispersal accommodation are issued with a weekly payment for essentials (£49.18pp in household) – via Aspen Cards

If you are pregnant or have a child aged one to three you will receive an extra £5.25 each week. If you have a baby under one you will receive an extra £9.50 each week. This extra support is to buy health food.

Free College Bus

The College has a free bus service, the number 36 CityBus. It runs Monday to Friday from the City Centre to the Kings Road campus, including evenings.

Bus timetables can be viewed on the screens across the site.

  • apply online at cityplym.paymystudent.com/portal – please check that you are applying for 2024/25 Student Learning Fund
  • apply early to make sure your Student Learning Fund is available for the start of your course.

Need additional help? Contact the Student Funding team on 01752 305110 or e-mail studentlearningfund@cityplym.ac.uk

  • book an appointment to come into the College for a one-to-one session to complete your application – you will need to bring evidence of income
  • e-mail the Student Funding team to book your place at studentlearningfund@cityplym.ac.uk