Adult student FAQs
We're here to support you as you take the next step in your education or career. Whether you're returning to learning or starting something new, we look forward to welcoming you to Warrington & Vale Royal College.
We understand that you may have questions about how to enrol and what funding support is available. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If there’s anything we haven’t covered, please use the form at the bottom of the page to get in touch.
I have been offered a place. Do I have a guaranteed place on the course?
The offer of a place confirms your suitability for the course, but this does not guarantee you a place on the course. You will need to meet the requirements of any offer, which may include completion, and/or evidence, of qualifications.
In order to secure a place, you will need to enrol. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis so we recommend enrolling as soon as possible once enrolment opens.
When does enrolment open?
Enrolment for September 2025 opens in July. If you have been offered a place you will receive an email notifying you when you can come in to college to enrol. Our enrolment opening hours will be included in the email.
Can I still apply?
Yes, you can - it’s not too late. Once you have applied, we will arrange for you to attend an interview. This is a 15-minute appointment with one of our tutors to discuss the course.
Interviews do not take place over the summer break. You will receive an email invitation for an interview, these will take place from w/c 25th August.
Browse our courses and apply online.
What do I need to bring to enrol?
You will be required to bring the following evidence with you when you enrol:
- Evidence of qualifications (where these are a condition of an offer)
- Photographic identification
- Proof of address
- If you are non-UK national, proof of residency and digital share code
- Evidence of benefit or income (only required if you qualify for fee remission)
- If funding your course with an Advanced Learner Loan or Higher Education loan, evidence of loan application. The loan does not need to be approved.
- If you are paying for your course, payment method.
I have been offered a place on a waiting list, what happens next?
Our Admissions Team are monitoring applications closely and if a place becomes available they will be in contact with you. If no places become available we will notify you.
When will I receive confirmation of my start date?
At enrolment we will confirm the start date and time of your course. Following this you will receive an email confirming you are enrolled with further information about becoming a student of the college.
You will be able to view your timetable via the college app. You can download the MyWVR app from Appstore or Google Play.
My course is loan funded. How do I apply for the loan and what information do I need?
Advanced Learner Loan
If your course is eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan you will need to have an offer of a place on the course before you can apply for the loan. You will be sent a Learning & Funding Agreement letter which will be included with the email notification to enrol for the course. The Learning & Funding Agreement letter contains all the course information you need to apply for the loan.
The Advanced Learner Loan will not cover the full cost of the course, the difference you need to pay will be included in the letter. You can spread the remaining fee over instalments, if it is over £100.
For further information and to apply for the Advanced Learner Loan, visit: www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
Higher Education Loan
If you are studying one of our HNC or HND programmes you can apply for a Higher Education Loan. You do not need to have an offer of a place to apply for the loan. You just enter the course title and name of the college on application. We would recommend applying for this loan as early as possible.
For further information and to apply for the Higher Education loan, visit: www.gov.uk/student-finance
Loan applications do not need to be approved to enrol. We will, however, require evidence that you have applied for the relevant loan.
Is there financial support whilst on my course?
Yes, the college has a bursary. Once you have enrolled on your course, you will be able to apply for the bursary. You will need to complete a bursary application form, which is available online or from our Wellbeing Team. You will also need to provide evidence of any benefits you or your family receive and proof of household income.
If you are studying one of our HNC or HND programmes you will be unable to access the college bursary. If you are studying full-time you can apply for a maintenance loan to support you whilst at college. If you find yourself in financial hardship we have a Higher Education Opportunities Fund.
Click here for more information about financial support and bursaries offered at college.
My employer has agreed to fund my course, what information do you need?
If your employer is paying your fees at enrolment you will need to provide a letter from them on headed paper or email from a business address, stating clearly, they are funding you and include the full title of the course, course fees, purchase order number, and who should be invoiced.
If your company does not operate a purchase order system confirmation of who to invoice can be accepted.
Can I receive funding for my course?
It depends on several factors including the course you are studying, where you reside, and your personal circumstances.
You may be eligible for fee remission if you are in receipt of an eligible benefit or your personal income is below £25,000, or £33,958.60 if you reside in a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
To find out if you would be eligible please get in contact with our Learner Services Team on 01925 494400 or email learner.services@wvr.ac.uk. They will ask some questions about your circumstances and confirm if you are eligible for fee remission.
Can I pay for my course in instalments?
Yes, you can pay fees over £100 in instalments, interest free. You can spread the cost between 3 and 8 instalments, the number of instalments will be determined by the duration of your course.
The first instalment must be paid at enrolment and all fees need to be paid before the course end date.
I have enrolled and can no longer attend the course; can I have a refund?
Students who enrol and wish to withdraw before the start of the course are entitled to a refund providing the request is received by the college in writing at least five working days before the scheduled start date, a £30 admin fee will be applied.
Requests received within 5 working days of the start date, refunds will not normally be given, although a credit note may be issued where considered appropriate; requests for refunds relating to exceptional, personal circumstances must be made in writing, to Finance@wvr.ac.uk stating clearly the reason for the request.
You become liable for the cost of the course five working days prior to the start date, for further information please refer to our tuition and fees policy.