Financial Support

For the Attention of the Bournemouth University Students
this website gives you all the information
that you need for money matters
www.bournemouth.ac.uk/moneymatters


What help is available if I study full-time?

Not everyone pays the full tuition fee. Depending on whether you are a dependent or independent student, your contribution is calculated on your own, your parents' or spouses' income.

Many students are eligible for help in paying their fees, so contact your LEA for an application pack as soon as possible.

Your LEA will decide whether you are eligible for assistance after checking where you live and how long you have lived there; whether you have been in higher education before; your age and whether your course is eligible.

You can also call 0800 731 9133 for advice on how to apply for financial support whilst in Higher Education. An adviser will help you with your application. Or you can apply online at www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk where you can also get information on what you need to do, and use the online calculator to find out how much you may get.

From September 2008, Universities and Colleges will be able to charge new Students up to £3,145 a year for their Courses. So depending on what you study and where, you may have to pay a contribution up to a maximum of £3,145 a year. Amounts charged will vary between courses, as well as between different Universities and Colleges.

Don't worry though - this money does not have to be paid whilst you are studying. You will be able to take out a student loan for fees to cover the tuition fees charged by your University of College. And you only start repaying this loan once you have finished studying and are earning more than £15,000 a year.

How do I apply for a Student Loan?

In order to pay for the additional costs of living, student loans are available and are repayable after graduation. You only repay the loan once your earnings reach a certain level.

You must apply to your LEA for a student loan at the same time that you apply for support towards tuition fees. The LEA will then calculate the amount of loan you are entitled to. Your next point of contact is the Student Loans Company who will offer you the loan.

For the latest news about Student Loans, you can visit: www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport

Grants

From September 2008, new full-time Students from lower income households will be able to apply for a non-repayable maintenance grant of up to £2,835 a year. How much you get will depend on your income and that of your household. If that income is around £15,000 or less you are likely to be eligible for a full grant worth £2,835 a year. Partial grants are likely to be available for those with a household income of between around £15,000 and around £33,000. Around half of all new full-time students are likely to be eligible for a full or partial grant. Grants are payable in three instalments-one at the start of each term.

Bursaries

Universities and Colleges wishing to charge the maximum fee of £3,145 a year for a course will have to provide at least £310 a year in non-repayable financial support, such as bursaries, to students on these courses who are receiving the full £2,835 maintenance grant. This means that students who receive the full maintenance grant and who are on courses charging £3,145 will get a package of non-repayable support of at least £3,145 a year.

Some students will get more than this, as many Universities and Colleges are expected to offer financial help worth more than £310.

Extra help from your University or College

If you get into financial difficulties while studying, or you find yourself facing extra costs in completing your course, then you may be bale to get help from your University or College.

Help is available from your University or College's Access to Learning Fund (or the financial Contingency Fund for students in Wales). You should apply to the Student Support Office, Student Services Office or the Student Union of your University or College if you think you may need extra help to complete your course.

What help is available if I study part-time?

Some part-time students are eligible for financial help. You should contact your LEA who can provide all the information you need to fund a higher education course.

Part-time students who meet the criteria may apply for additional help from the Access to Learning Fund for help with costs such as childcare. In addition, for certain students on a low income studying between 10% and 50% of a full-time course, a discretionary fee waiver may be available through their University or college as well as help towards the other costs of study.

Useful Financial Support and Managing Money Websites:

www.practicalmoneyskills.com
www.studentmoney.org

Want to train as a teacher?

You can get details of financial incentives for taking initial teacher training courses in England and Wales by calling the Teacher Training Agency's Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 (0845 6000 992 in Wales). Or visit their website at www.canteach.gov.uk

Want to train in health?

You can find more information about NHS Bursaries and other financial help available for health professional courses by calling one of these numbers:

01253 655 655 (for Students studying in England)

029 2026 1495 (for Students studying in Wales)

0131 476 8227 (for students studying in Scotland)

028 9025 7777 (for students studying in Northern Ireland)

Do you live in Wales?

In 2008 you may also be eligible for an Assembly Learning Grant. Contact your LEA for more information.

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