Section 37C. A student who resides in a city or town which does not offer approved vocational education programs at the post-secondary level may, upon the approval of the commissioner under the direction of the state board be admitted to such program in another city, town or regional district. In making his determination the commissioner shall take into consideration the opportunities for free vocational training where the applicant resides, the preparation, age, aptitude and previous record of the applicant, and other relevant circumstances, including the level of state assistance to such program. A student admitted under this provision shall be charged tuition and fees for the full amount of the average per pupil cost of such program, as approved by the commissioner under the direction of the state board. Such students shall be eligible to apply for state scholarship aid pursuant to section seven of chapter fifteen A.