What financial help is available
Financial help for undergraduates
The Government has introduced the following changes to the student finance system from September 2008.
Main changes
A new loan for eligible, full-time students to cover their tuition fees
Both new and current students will be able to put off paying their tuition fees by taking out a Student Loan for fees. No eligible student will have to pay fees before starting their course, or while they are studying. They will start repaying this after they have left higher education and are earning more than £15,000 a year.
Universities and colleges of higher education in the United Kingdom will be able to charge new full-time undergraduates fees of up to £3,145 a year
The amount charged will vary between courses, as well as between universities. (Continuing and gap year students will continue to make a contribution of up to £1,225 towards fees).
A new non-repayable Maintenance Grant of up to £3,335 a year for new full-time students from lower income households studying at universities or colleges in the United Kingdom
This grant will be based on the household's income and does not have to be paid back. (Continuing students will be eligible for the Higher Education Bursary of up to £2,000).
A new non-repayable Special Support Grant (SSG) of up to £3,335 a year for new full-time students who may be eligible to receive benefits such as Income Support or Housing Benefit while they are studying
This grant will be based on the household’s income and does not have to be paid back. Students who are eligible for the Special Support Grant will not be eligible for the Maintenance Grant.
Student Loans for Maintenance raised to help students meet their basic living costs
The biggest increases will be for students studying in London and for final-year students, and these higher rates will be available to both new and continuing students.
Bursaries from Higher Education Institutions (HEI's)
Colleges in Northern Ireland that charge the full £3,145 tuition fee will provide bursaries of at least £310 for students who are eligible for the full £3,335 Maintenance Grant or SSG. However, some HEI's may offer bursaries to students who are eligible for less than the maximum maintenance grant. Some HEI's will offer more than £310 in bursaries.
In England, colleges charging tuition fees of more than £3,145 will also provide bursaries and again it is expected that these may be more than the minimum of £310 for students who receive the full Maintenance Grant or SSG. Students should check with their institution regarding eligibility for this bursary.
Write off of student loans
For students taking out a loan (for fees or maintenance or both) for the first time in 2006 or later, the Government will write off student loans which are left unpaid 25 years after the student leaves their course.
New students starting courses in the Republic of Ireland in September 2008
If you are planning to study at a publicly funded college in the Republic of Ireland you will not be required to pay tuition fees. Under the present arrangements, Northern Ireland students attending courses at publicly funded colleges in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) have their tuition fees paid by the Irish Government. However the college will make an additional charge for registration. In 2008/09 this will be €900.
Further information can be found on the following pages: