Understanding fees, loans, and grants for university

Student Finance England offer a range of support to help cover tuition fees and living costs, your two main expenses while at university or college.

The range of financial support available depends on your circumstances, your course and where you study. The main types of finance are Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans (which have to be paid back) as well as grants and bursaries (which don't). The good news is most students won't have to pay anything up front.

The best way to apply for this support is online. It's quick, easy and can be done at www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
Extra support is also available for those with special circumstances, for instance if you have children or adult dependants, a disability, mental-health condition or a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia.

Repayments only start when you have left university and earn over a set amount and what you repay will depend on what you earn, not what you owe.
So make sure you do your homework and find out about student finance - everything you need to know is available on  www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance or follow Student FinanceEngland on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube for regular updates.

A simple guide to applying for Student Finance is available from the Careers department for all 6.2 students who have submitted their UCAS applications.  DO NOT DELAY in applying for student finance!  

Once you have registered online with Student Finance England and are ready to start your application, remember to have the following documents to hand:

• Passport (if you have one)
• University and course details (don’t worry: these can be changed at a later date if necessary!)
• Bank details
• National insurance number
• Your parent’s details, including their National Insurance number and household income information

The online application process is interactive and responsive to the information you submit, so your experience of completing the online forms may be different to that of your friends.  Applications should be submitted no later than 31st MAY 2012.

In addition, you may also find the following sites useful:

Fundraising Resources
Bursaries, scholarships and awards