Connexions Tameside

Higher education

If you are considering going into higher education you need to be aware of the costs and support available.

Going to university in 2008?

If you are planning to go to university in 2008 the following applies; basically you get help to cover the cost of your studies, and once you’ve qualified you’ll pay back some of the costs you’ve incurred. If you are getting EMA whilst at college you’ll be guaranteed a minimum level of support for your university course.

What is it going to cost?

Fees – universities charge tuition fees – currently up to £3145.00 per annum; and you will be liable for these cost.

Accommodation and living – you’ll also have to pay for accommodation costs and your day to day living expenses.

What help’s available?

Financial support – is available to help cover the cost of fees, accommodation, living expenses etc. What you can get will depend on your personal circumstances – where you study, your household income etc. The following gives brief information on what’s on offer, you would need to investigate further to establish your own particular circumstances.

Student Loans for Fees – are available to cover the fees – up to £3145.00.

Student Loans for Living costs – are available to cover things like your accommodation costs - up to £6475.00 per annum.

You’ll need to repay these loans when you graduate and are earning more than £15000 per year. Repayment rates are then 9% of your salary over £15000 - £1250 a month or £288.00 a week. These repayments will be deducted directly from your salary.

Maintenance Grants - of up to £2835.00 per year are also available to students from lower income households – this does not have to be repaid.

Other Support – there may be other funding available if you have a particular need – for example if you are disabled; or if you have a child.

Special Support Grants - are available to students who may be receiving benefits such as Income Support or Housing Benefit whilst they are studying, this will mainly be lone parents or students with disabilities. These are non repayable.

University Bursaries – universities are able to offer bursaries to students in receipt of a full Maintenance or Special Support grant, where the University fees are in excess of the grant; these are non repayable.

Applying for funding

Don’t wait until you have a confirmed university place – make your application as soon as possible. Applications are made on line to Student Finance Direct.

Directgov has useful information about funding your higher education studies.

You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away.