How to Apply for College in Three Simple Steps
1. Visit Careers East Sussex and create your profile
To apply for a college course at East Sussex College, you’ll submit your application via the Careers East Sussex website.
Creating a free, online profile is quick and lets you manage applications, view updates and track your interview invitations.
2. Choose the course you want to study
Explore the course you’re interested in and check the entry requirements and course level.
Use your predicted GCSE grades to help decide which level is right for you.
If you’re applying for college but aren’t sure what to pick yet, don’t worry. You can still apply and talk it through with us at your interview.
Choosing the right course:
A-Levels: Choose three subjects
T-Levels: Choose one full T-Level
Professional & Technical Courses: Choose one course in your chosen specialism
3. Apply for your chosen course(s)
Submit your application through Careers East Sussex.
You can make an application to more than one of our campuses in Eastbourne, Hastings, and Lewes, giving you flexibility. Your final choice happens after your college interview, so there’s no pressure.
Ready to apply to college?
Understanding Your Options: A-Levels, T-Levels, Vocational Courses & Apprenticeships
Students ask us all the time: “Which college course is right for me?”. So here’s a snapshot breakdown of the courses and qualifications we offer.
A-LevelsAcademic qualifications studied over two years Choose three subjects Great for university progression or keeping options open | T-LevelsAn academic qualification that mixes classroom learning with a 45-day industry placement Choose one full T-Level Great for university progression or starting your career |
Professional & Technical CoursesHands-on, career-focused programmes starting at Level 1 up to Level 3 Choose one vocational course in your chosen industry Great progression into your chosen career | ApprenticeshipsWork, earn money and study at the same time Perfect if you want real job experience |
Ready to apply to college?
You can also apply for college by post
- Download or find an application form in our course guide
- Complete the application form and check all the details carefully before sending it to us.
- Send your completed form to us via email or by post
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a deadline for college applications?
We recommend you apply by the 31st January to have the best chance of securing a place on your preferred course. You can still apply throughout the spring and summer, but some of our courses are very popular and fill up quickly, and then waiting lists may be put in place.
How do I know which course level to apply for?
The level you apply for depends on your predicted GCSE grades and the entry requirements for the course you’re interested in. Each course page includes guidance about entry criteria to help you choose the right course.
If you’re unsure, don’t worry. You can contact us for support or apply for the level you think fits you best. During your interview, we’ll discuss your goals, predicted grades and experience to confirm whether the level is right.
If needed, we may adjust your level before your interview so that you meet with the correct tutor. There will also be another chance to review your level at enrolment to make sure you’re on the course that’s right for you.
What should I do if I have applied for a college course, but I haven’t heard anything?
We run college interview events throughout the academic year. Most interviews take place on our large-scale interview event dates, but some may be scheduled on alternative dates due to staff availability. If you have received an acknowledgement email or message, it means we have your application and will be in touch about your college interview in due course.
If you’re worried that you haven’t heard anything, or you’re unsure whether your application went through, please contact our Admissions Team, and they’ll be happy to check for you.
What happens if I miss my college interview?
Your college interview is a key part of your application, so please attend. If you know you can’t make it, let us know as soon as possible and we’ll reschedule you for the next available interview event.
If you miss your interview unexpectedly, please contact us at the earliest opportunity. We’ll do our best to book you onto another date, but please be aware that this may be a few weeks after your original interview, so you might not hear from us immediately.
What should I do if I don’t like my college course?
Our application process is designed to help you choose the right course before you start. To get a good sense of your course, we strongly recommend that you:
- Attend our Open Events
- Ask plenty of questions at your college interview
- Come along to our Welcome Day
If, after the interview for your first choice, you feel you’d like to explore a different course, you can request another interview for that course. You can either send in a new application or contact us to arrange a second interview.
If you start your course, but you’re still not sure, the first six weeks of term are our “right choice” period. If you’re not enjoying your course, you can discuss a possible transfer with your tutor.
All course transfers depend on spaces being available, but we’ll always do our best to help you find a course that suits you.
Will my college course help me get to university?
Many of our courses are excellent springboards to university. However, each university sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check the course pages of the universities you’re interested in.
We also have an excellent careers team at the college, who can support you to explore your next steps after college, including:
- Apprenticeships
- Work
- Higher Education
- Further Education
What happens if I can’t attend the college Welcome Day?
We recommend that you attend your Welcome Day because it is a great chance to:
- Meet your new classmates
- Get to know your tutors
- Experience what your course will be like
We only run one Welcome Day per year, so we’re not able to reschedule this event.
However, we understand that sometimes you may not be able to attend due to holidays, illness or other commitments. If you can’t come, please don’t worry. This will not affect your application or your place on the course.
What should I do if I don’t get the grades I needed for my college course?
If you don’t get the GCSE grades you were expecting or needed for your chosen course, please don’t panic!
Still come along to your enrolment session as planned and bring your results with you. Our tutors will talk through your options and, if necessary, help you explore alternative courses or levels. Our aim is to support everyone to find a suitable course, regardless of their grades.
What are the different types of college course?
We offer a range of different course types to suit different levels, goals and learning styles, including:
- A-Levels
- T-Levels
- Professional & Technical (vocational) courses
- Apprenticeships
If you’re not sure what college course to choose, then we’ve got you.
Are college courses free and will I have to pay fees?
If you are aged 16–18 on 31st August before your course starts, your tuition and exam fees should be free. However, you may need to pay for things like uniform, kit, equipment or trips.
Learners of all ages may be eligible for financial support. Please visit our dedicated financial support page for more information.
If you are aged 19+ at the start of the course, you will not automatically be entitled to funding. In some cases, fee waivers may be available, meaning you might not need to pay the tuition and exam fees of your course. Fee waivers depend on government funding, which is confirmed in the summer before courses start, so we’re not able to confirm fees before then.
We will discuss fees and any possible fee waivers with you as part of your enrolment. If you have questions beforehand, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Funding cut-off date:
- Anyone aged 16–18 on 31st August before the course starts is eligible for 16–18 funding.
- Anyone aged 16–23 on 31st August with an active EHCP is also eligible for 16–18 funding.
- Anyone aged 19+ on this date is classed as an adult for funding purposes.