UK Student Finance
An A-Z of Student Finance

Gap Year Students

If you are a new full-time student who has taken a gap year in 2005/2006, or have transferred from a course that started before September 2006, the rules for student finance are different than for new students starting after September 2006.

The type of financial help you can apply for as an eligible full-time higher education student depends on when you start your course.

However, you may be treated the same as a student who started in academic year 2005/2006 even though you are starting your course in academic year 2006/2007.

You will be classed under the 2005/2006 rules for student finance if you:-

·        took a gap year in academic year 2005/2006, and are taking up the same place in September 2006

·        have transferred from a course that started before September 2006

·        were not able to take up your place at university or college in 2005/2006 because of A level results, have subsequently appealed and are starting in 2006/2007 instead

·        are starting an ‘end-on’ degree course after completing a Foundation Degree, Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma or Diploma of Higher Education course in 2005/2006

To apply for financial help, you and your course must be also ‘eligible’.

If you took a Gap Year in 2005/2006

You will be treated under the 2005/2006 rules for student finance if you took an approved gap year in 2005/2006, gained an exemption, and are taking up your place in 2006/2007.

To qualify as a gap year student with exemption you must have received confirmation from your college or university by 1 August 2005 that your place had been deferred.

If you are transferring from a course that started in 2005/2006 or before

If you transfer from a course that started before September 2006, you will be classed under the 2005/2006 rules for student finance.

However, you should speak to the university or college of your new course to find out what fees you will be charged.

What Financial Help is Available?

If you are starting your course in 2006/2007, but are treated as if you are starting in 2005/2006 for student finance, you will be able to apply for a:

·        non-repayable grant for tuition fees – this can cover some or all of your fee contribution of up to £1,200

·        Student Loan for Fees – this can cover the rest of your tuition fee contribution

·        Student Loan for Maintenance

·        non-repayable Higher Education Grant of up to £1,000 for students from low income households
 

 

Get Paid for Your Thoughts! Get paid to take online surveys - £2 to £35 per survey! Get paid to participate in online focus groups £25 to £75 per hour! Get paid to try new products - keep the products and get paid too! Get paid to preview movie trailers £2 to £15 per hour! Click here to learn more...