Student Finance
It is possible to get help with financing undergraduate Higher Education study in the UK from the relevant bodies in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Regulations differ for each. Links are provided further down the page. The information is basic only and is directed at new full-time students. For more complex information please contact the relevant government body.
Student Finance consists of 2 aspects - tuition fees and living expenses. There are eligibility criteria for the individual, the institution and the course and the following assumes that these criteria are met.
Tuition fees.
Universities and Colleges set their own fees and these differ between institution and indeed between courses within an institution. They may charge up to £9250 for the year. A few healthcare courses leading to registration with the Health Professions Council still have fees paid by the NHS and the possibility of a bursary subject to eligibility. Tuition fee loans are paid directly to your chosen institution.
Maintenance or living expenses loans
It is possible to borrow via Student Finance to help with living expenses and this usually depends on income into your household. A student's part-time earnings are not usually taken into account when calculating this. A certain percentage of the amount available is income related and the rest is not i.e. all students are able to borrow an amount set each year by the government. It is paid in termly instalments straight into your student bank account.
The amount you borrow for living expenses is unlikely to completely cover your expenditure so plan carefully about where the rest will come from. Parents may be asked to make a contribution; many students have a part-time job either throughout the year or during their vacation periods.
Thought also needs to be given to capital items such a laptop and you may need to put a deposit down on your second year accommodation before finishing your first year. Having some funds to get you through the first few days before your student loan arrives in your account is also a good idea.
Other sources
There are also special grants available for particular circumstances such as the Disabled Student Allowance, Travel Grant and so on, so make sure you investigate thoroughly what you maybe entitled to. Each institution also offers grants/bursaries and/or scholarships.
Student Finance is complex and each individual has different circumstances. The links below for each country outline the general rules and provide links for those who need more specialised guidance.
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
For links to the financial information issued by each university listed click here
Student Finance consists of 2 aspects - tuition fees and living expenses. There are eligibility criteria for the individual, the institution and the course and the following assumes that these criteria are met.
Tuition fees.
Universities and Colleges set their own fees and these differ between institution and indeed between courses within an institution. They may charge up to £9250 for the year. A few healthcare courses leading to registration with the Health Professions Council still have fees paid by the NHS and the possibility of a bursary subject to eligibility. Tuition fee loans are paid directly to your chosen institution.
Maintenance or living expenses loans
It is possible to borrow via Student Finance to help with living expenses and this usually depends on income into your household. A student's part-time earnings are not usually taken into account when calculating this. A certain percentage of the amount available is income related and the rest is not i.e. all students are able to borrow an amount set each year by the government. It is paid in termly instalments straight into your student bank account.
The amount you borrow for living expenses is unlikely to completely cover your expenditure so plan carefully about where the rest will come from. Parents may be asked to make a contribution; many students have a part-time job either throughout the year or during their vacation periods.
Thought also needs to be given to capital items such a laptop and you may need to put a deposit down on your second year accommodation before finishing your first year. Having some funds to get you through the first few days before your student loan arrives in your account is also a good idea.
Other sources
There are also special grants available for particular circumstances such as the Disabled Student Allowance, Travel Grant and so on, so make sure you investigate thoroughly what you maybe entitled to. Each institution also offers grants/bursaries and/or scholarships.
Student Finance is complex and each individual has different circumstances. The links below for each country outline the general rules and provide links for those who need more specialised guidance.
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
For links to the financial information issued by each university listed click here