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Part Time Students

If you are a part-time higher education student and studying at least 50% of an equivalent full-time course you may be entitled to a grant towards your fees and a grant towards your course costs.  Your college will be able to tell you if your course qualifies. Entitlement to the grants will depend on your income and that of your husband, wife or partner and there is no age limit for this support.  Your Student Finance NI office will work out how much support you can get.  You will not have to repay this help.

Students who already have a degree cannot normally apply for this support.

Fee Grant

In 2011/2012 there will be three different rates of fee grant depending on how intensive your course is.

Maximum fee grant
Less than 60% of the full-time course £820
Equivalent to 60% to 74% of the full-time course £985
Equivalent to 75% or more of the full-time course £1,230

Course grant In 2011/2012 the maximum course grant is £265 and does not depend on how intensive your course is.Maximum amountsThe total maximum amounts available to part-time students therefore are:  

For students on a part-time course  equivalent to less than 60% of the full-time course Up to £1,085 (Fee grant of up to £820 and course grant of up to £265).
For students on a part-time course equivalent to 60% to 74% of the full-time course Up to £1,250 (Fee grant of up to £985 and course grant of up to £265).
For students on a part-time course equivalent to 75% or more of the full-time course Up to £1,495 (Fee grant of up to £1,230 and course grant of up to £265).