UK Student Finance
An A-Z of Student Finance

Student Finance - Getting Started

If you are going into higher education there is money available to help you, whether from the government, your place of study and other sources. Types of help include non-repayable grants and student loans.

There are lots of things to think about when you’re considering going to university or college, and cost is just one of them.

 

Full-Time Students

The financial help you can get as a new full-time student depends on your course, where you live while you are studying, and your individual circumstances.

Types of help for new full-time higher education students include:

·        Tuition fee loans to cover the full cost of your tuition fees

·        Living cost loans to cover the cost of your living expenses

·        Grants for living costs

·        Bursaries and scholarships from universities and colleges

You could get extra help if you have children or adult dependants, or have a disability or specific learning difficulty.

 

What You Can Expect To Pay

New full-time higher education students studying in England can be charged up to £3,000 a year in tuition fees in 2006/2007 (up to £3,070 in 2007/2008).

As well as fees, you will also have to pay for your day-to-day living expenses such as accommodation, food, books, travel and so on.

How To Apply

You can apply for student finance online or by requesting a paper form that you fill in and send to your local authority.

Part-Time Students

If you are studying a part-time course, you may be eligible for non-repayable grants towards tuition fees and course costs.

 

How To Apply

To apply for finance as a part-time student, you will need to get your application form signed by your place of study before sending it to your local authority.

Help After Your First Year

You need to apply for financial help every year while you are in higher education. However, the types and amounts of help you can get depend on the year in which you started your course.

Postgraduate Courses

If you are studying a course where the entry requirements ask that you already have a degree, you will be classed as a 'postgraduate' student. Such courses can include master's degrees, diplomas and postgraduate certificates.

Generally there is no funding available from the government for postgraduate studies, with the exception of Initial Teacher Training courses.

Repaying Student Loans

If you take out a student loan, you will not have to repay it while you are studying. Repayments only start after you leave your course and are earning more than £15,000 a year (or the monthly or weekly equivalents).

You'll be asked to repay nine per cent of any earnings above a certain amount - currently £15,000.

Do You Qualify For Help?

Whatever type of course you are thinking of taking, make sure that both you and your chosen course are eligible to receive student finance before you apply.

This means, for example, checking that you meet UK residence requirements and that your course leads to a higher education qualification.
 

 

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