Financial Support for Higher Education
Worried about the cost of studying for a higher education qualification?
You’re not alone, and the good news is, there’s more support available than you might think.
Whether you’re considering a Foundation Degree, PGCE, HND, HNC or HTQ, there are a range of funding options, and flexible payment plans designed to help you manage the cost. Many students are eligible for student loans and there’s often additional support available for those with dependents or specific needs.
Don’t let financial concerns hold you back from investing in your future. Watch our information video or speak to our team for tailored advice on what support you could access, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Click here to learn more about the financial support available
How do I know if my course is eligible for funding?
Most of our full and part-time HNCs, HNDs, and Foundation Degrees offered by the college are eligible for student funding.
To find out if your chosen course qualifies, simply click one of the links below to check your eligibility.
FAQ’s – Financial Support for HE
You may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan if you’re from an EU country. EU students can apply for Maintenance Loans, conditions apply. Eligibility can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies
Yes, you will need to apply for a loan each for each year of your course.
Eg – if you are doing a two-year course you will have to apply for a loan for year one and apply again for year two.
Use the student finance calculator to estimate your loan amount and repayments.
You need to apply early to ensure Student Finance England process your application in time for when your course starts. We recommend that you apply at the same time as applying to study the course to ensure there is enough time for the funds to reach your account and the college by the time you start your course.
You’ll only start making repayments once your income is over the threshold set by your repayment plan. Please click here to review the different plans.
If your income falls below the threshold, repayments will stop and only resume when your income rises above it again. You can also make additional voluntary repayments to the Student Loans Company any time which will reduce your balance earlier.
If you’re an employee your employer will work out your repayments and take them out of your salary with your tax.
If you’re self employed you make the repayments as part of your Self Assessment Tax Return.
You can pay off some or all of your loan at any time without incurring an extra charge.
You’ll usually get student finance only if you’re doing your first Higher Education qualification – even if your previous course was self-funded. However, you may still get limited funding if, for example:
- You change course
- You leave your course but decide to start again
- You’re ‘topping up’ a Higher Education qualification e.g. you’ve finished an HNC, HND or Foundation Degree and now want to do an Honours degree
Is there any extra help available?
Childcare Grant
Full-time Higher Education students with children can apply for a Childcare Grant.
The grant helps with childcare costs for children under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs. You must be eligible for student finance to apply for a Childcare Grant.
Click here to check how much Childcare Grant you may be entitled to receive.
Parents’ Learning Allowance
You may be eligible for help with your learning costs if you’re a full-time student with children. This is called Parents’ Learning Allowance. The money can help pay for books, study materials and travel.
How much you get depends on your household income. Parents’ Learning Allowance doesn’t have to be paid back, is paid on top of your other student finance and won’t affect your benefits or tax credit.
To find out more about The Parents’ Learning Allowance click here.
Adult Dependants’ Grant
If you’re a full-time student in higher education and an adult depends on you financially, you can apply for an Adult Dependants’ Grant.
Disabled Students
As a Higher Education student living in England, you can apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if you have a disability, including a long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty, eg dyslexia. You must meet the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 and the support you get depends on your individual needs and not on income.
Want to find out what extra financial support you might be entitled to?
Try the student finance calculator