Student Debt

The average debt for graduates is £11,000 and is likely to rise in the future. As grants have now been abolished and charges are made for tuition fees, many students now rely on student loans as their main source of income. They are also increasingly reliant upon various forms of credit in order to survive an average three year course.

The following are souces of funding and income which you may be entitled to, to ease your financial passage through higher education.

Local Education authority (LEA)

You may be able to get means tested help from your LEA towards tuition fees. Your income will be assessed on your income and that of your parents unless you are classed as an 'independent student'. If you are an independent student and you have a partner their income will be assessed if they have any residual income. You need to apply to the LEA where you live prior to starting your course. You can also apply to your LEA for a Student Loan for help with living costs while you are studying. 25% of your loan entitlement is based on your or your families income.

Disable Students Allowances (DSA)

Student with disabilities may be eligible for a Disabled Students Allowance which can help with costs incured, attending courses. Unlike a student loan, DSA assistance does not have to be repaid. Your LEA can advise further.

Child Care Grants

If you have childcare costs during term time or vacations you may be able to claim a Childcare Grant. The amount you get depends on your income and that of your dependants. Your LEA can advise further.

Care Leavers Grant

Student having left care homes you may be able to claim a Care Leavers Grant to help with your accommodation costs in the long (usually summer) vacation. This can be worth up to £100 a week during the long vacation. Your LEA can advise further.

Lone Parents Grant

Signle parent studes may be able to claim a means tested Lone Parent Grant to supplement income. The amount you are awarded is dependent on your income. Talk to your LEA to see if you can claim.

Parents Learning Allowance

If you have dependant children you may be able to claim a Parents Learning Allowance for extra help with course related costs. The amount you get is dependent on your income and that of your children.

Student Loans

Student loans are provided by the Student Loans Company for help with living costs while you are at college/university. They are normally paid in three instalments throughout the year. You should apply to your local education authority (LEA). You will need to apply for each year of your course as the amount you receive will be based on your income and that of your family.

Hardship Loans

You can apply for these if you are facing exceptional hardship as a result of living costs or other related expenses. These are administered through the college or university student welfare or student support services department. To apply for a hardship loan you must already have applied for a student loan if you are eligible.

From 2004/5 there will be a single source of support available through your college or university called the 'Access to Learning Fund'. If you receive help from this fund you will not have to repay the money.

Career Development Loans

If you cannot get help through other sources then you may be able to get a Career Development Loan (CDL). These are run in partnership between the Department for Education & Skills (DFES) and three high street banks - Barclays Bank, The Co-Operative Bank and The Royal Bank of Scotland.

Trusts and Charities

There are a number of trusts and charities available who may provide financial assistance to students. Many of these relate to students studying a particular subject or having links to a particular geographical area.

NHS Bursaries

If you are accepted into a NHS funded degree or diploma course, you are eligible for an NHS bursary. Students in receipt of these bursaries will have their fees paid. These bursaries do not have to be repaid.

Benefits

The majority of students do not qualify for means tested benefits. If you are a student with a disability or a single parent you may qualify for some benefits. Contact your student welfare department or the Department for Works & Pensions (DWP).

Council Tax

If you live in a hall of residence or shared house with only students living there, you will be exempt from paying Council Tax. If you live with other non-students you may be liable for Council Tax depending upon your circumstances. Check with your Council Tax Department.

Sources of more information

Department for Education & Skills (Dfes)
Tel: 0870 000 2288
www.dfes.gov.uk

Local Education Authority (LEA)
You may be able to get financial assistance towards your tuition fees (and in some cases other assistance) from your LEA. You need to apply to the LEA where you live prior to starting your course.

Student Loans Company (SLC)
www.slc.co.uk

National Union of Students (NUS)
www.nusonline.co.uk

NHS Students
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk

Trainee Teachers
www.canteach.gov.uk

The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities (SKILL)
www.skill.org.uk

Council for International Education
www.ukcosa.org.uk

Education Grants Advisory Service (EGAS)
The Educational Grants Advisory Service is an independent advice agency for people who want to get funding for further or higher education. It is mainly concerned with helping students who are not eligible for statutory funding. To apply you must first send a stamped addressed envelope to:

EGAS
501-505 Kingsland Road
Dalston
London
E8 4AU
Information Line: Tel: 020 7254 6251

Career Development Loans
Career Development Loan Information Line
Tel: 0800 585 505

Funderfinder
www.funderfinder.org.uk

Support for Learning
www.support4learning4.co.uk

Scholarship Search
www.scholarship-search.org.uk