Student Loans
If you’re studying on a Higher Education (HE) programme (eg an HNC, HND or Foundation degree) and are a UK resident, you can apply for a government Student Loan to help pay for your tuition and living costs.
There are two types of loan available:
Tuition Fee Loan
This covers your tuition fees throughout your course and is paid directly to the College.
Maintenance Loan
This helps with living costs such as rent and bills, and is paid in three instalments (at the start of each term). For 2018-19, the maximum loan was £11,354 a year, depending on your circumstances and household income.
How do I apply?
- Once you’ve been accepted on to a course, you can apply for your loan online at Student Finance
- You should receive acceptance of your application within around six weeks
- Bring your loan agreement to enrolment OR provide the College with evidence that your loan application has been approved
- If you’re unable to provide this evidence, you will need to pay 20% of your tuition fees and sign up to a payment plan in order to be enrolled
When and how do I pay back my Student Loan?
- You only start paying the loan, and interest on the loan, back once you’re earning over £25,000 a year
- Your monthly repayments will be 9% of your income over this amount
Find out more about student loans.
Other support
If you’re studying for an HE qualification and are on a low income you may also be eligible for income support.
If you have children or dependent adults, you may be eligible for a Childcare Grant, Parents’ Learning Allowance, Adult Dependents’ Grant or Child Tax Credit.
Students with a disability, long-term health condition or specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia) can apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance.
Find out more about extra help for HE students.
