HSDC provides financial support to help our students reach their full potential. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for:
All applications from students are considered individually and funds will be granted where a genuine need for assistance has been demonstrated and the eligible criteria met.
College Bought Bus Pass
If the student lives beyond 0.5 miles of South Downs Campus, Havant Campus or Alton Campus (measured by google maps, walking mode), the student will be eligible for a college-funded bus pass. They will also have the opportunity to purchase an upgraded bus pass to allow for travel further afield. Bus passes cost the College between £400-£800 each, so please look after them!
Contribution towards a Train Pass
Students who wish to use the train to travel to College and who would normally be entitled to a college-funded bus pass, may have the equivalent value of the bus pass (for their area) deducted from the termly train pass. The remaining cost of the train pass (if necessary) would be to be paid by the student before collecting the pass.
Essential Books, Uniform or Equipment, as advised by lecturers
We may be able to help refund either full or part of the cost for any compulsory books, uniform and equipment. Refunds will be made once receipts or proof of payment for the items are handed into the Student Travel & Support Team from September. This process can take up to 6 weeks during busy times.
Compulsory/Essential trips as advised by the organiser
Educational day and residential visits that are essential to the course will be funded by the College. The organiser of the trip must speak to the Finance Manager if the trip/residential is compulsory so that the necessary fees can be transferred internally.
UCAS Administration Fees
The payment will be made by internal transfer or refunded on the production of a receipt which needs to be handed into the Student Travel & Support Team.
University Open Day Visits/Audition Fees
We may be able to refund travel expenses for up to three ‘University Open Day’ visits or a part refund towards audition fees (capped at a maximum of £25 for either travel expenses or audition fees). The college reserve the right to refund travel expenses via the most economical method of transport. Travel expenses can only be paid towards the student’s travel and not towards any accompanying adult.
To be eligible for this support the student:
Income Support
Letter dated on or after 1 April 2023 stating you currently receive this benefit.
Job Seekers Allowance (income-based)
All pages of your notification dated on or after 1 April 2023.
Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
All pages of your notification dated on or after 1 April 2023.
Pension Credit (Guarantee element)
All pages of your State Pension Credit (guarantee element) issued by the pension service dated on or after 1 April 2023.
Working Tax Credit
All pages of your Tax Credit ward Notice for April 2023 to April 2024 showing that you receive Working Tax (not solely child tax credit). Unfortunately, we cannot accept ‘provisional’ award notices.
Council Tax Reduction (other than single occupancy)
Letter or annual bill dated from April 2023.
Housing Benefit
Local Council letter dated April 2023 to March 2024.
Universal Credit (other than child tax element)
Your last three most recent monthly Award Statements which can be printed from your online account. Please print the full breakdown of your monthly award payments which show how your Universal Credit was calculated (e.g. housing element, children, employer earnings, deductions (as applicable). Your total household annual income must not exceed £28,000 – this amount includes any Universal Credit Payments, wages and benefits received.
Alton Campus
If the household is in receipt of an income-based benefit, you will need to complete an application form. You can complete an online application that is quick and easy, and this method also allows you to upload your proof of benefit either by scanning it in, uploading a PDF or taking a clear photograph. Click here to access the online form for Alton.
If you prefer to print and complete a paper version of the application form, you can do so here.
If you do not have evidence of your current proof of benefit, please continue to complete the application form and supply the proof at a later date. This will enable the College to begin processing your application form.
If you would like any further information, please phone 01420 592229 or email travelandsupport@alton.hsdc.ac.uk.
Havant and South Downs campuses
If the household is in receipt of an income-based benefit, you will need to complete an application form. You can complete an online application that is quick and easy, and this method also allows you to upload your proof of benefit either by scanning it in, uploading a PDF or taking a clear photograph on your mobile phone.
Click here to access the online form for Havant Campus
Click here to access the online form for South Downs Campus
If you prefer to print and complete a paper version of the application form, you can do so here:-
If you do not have evidence of your current proof of benefit, please continue to complete the application form and supply the proof at a later date. This will enable the College to begin processing your application form.
If you would like any further information, please phone 023 9279 7991 (option 3) or email travelandsupport@hsdc.ac.uk.
Hampshire County Council assists with travel expenses for post-16 students with special educational needs or students who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The support provided requires an annual parental contribution. If a student qualifies for free school meals due to low income, the fee may be waived.
Students wishing to apply for help with transport can do so by accessing the Hampshire County Council website for further details, by clicking here.