Higher Education
Student finance
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At the moment, the contribution students have to pay towards tuition fees varies dependent on the students own income and, if appropriate, parents' or spouses' income i.e. it is means-tested by the Local Education Authority, with approximately 30% of students making a full contribution to tuition fees, whilst the rest will pay either nothing or a part share. In all cases, the balance will be met automatically by the DFEE.
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Additional financial support |
Many students will be eligible to additional financial support, including the following:
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Student loans
Students should apply to their Local Education Authority for a loan at the same time as applying for help with tuition fees.
The amount available depends on factors such as what year of the course you are on, the area you live in whilst studying and also who you live with. Although the idea of 'debt' appears daunting, it is advisable that students take maximum advantage of student loans, as interest rates are considerably lower than those offered by banks/building societies. For more details, check www.slc.co.uk.
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Grants towards living costs
Some students eg. those with dependents, single parents, disabled students, may also be entitled to receive additional financial support through grants.
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Hardship loans
These are discretionary supplementary loans of up to £250 which are means-tested and administered by Higher Education Institutions.
Hardship loans are not repayable and are open to full time undergraduate and PGCE students who are in severe financial hardship.
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Access Funds
Access funds are administered by Higher Education Institutions, according to their own procedures and criteria, and are only available to those who have already taken out a student loan.
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Career Development Loans (CDL)
Students applying for certain courses e.g. private drama courses, may not qualify for any Government funding and may wish to consider a Career Development Loan as a means of supporting their studies.
For more information and a free booklet, call freephone 0800 585 505.
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Social security benefits
Certain students, such as single parents, student couples with dependent children, maybe able to claim social security benefits.
Contact your local Benefit Agency for more details.
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NHS Bursaries
Students starting NHS funded health professional courses e.g.chiropody, dental hygiene, dental therapy, dietetics, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy etc. may be eligible to receive a bursary. For more details, phone 01253 332 627.
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More Information
For more information on funding for higher education click on www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport
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