About to start a degree

boglin

I'm guessing that you may be taking a Foundation Degree course?
I have posted this information about grants for part-time students - many people do not realise that they may be eligible, even if they are working as well as studying.

Although the 2008-09 forms (PTG1) and notes have not yet been published on the website (see below) you can look at the 2007-08 notes and forms to get an idea.


The following information does not apply to:
•Applications to the Open University
• NHS - Nurse Training and Education
• Part time Teacher Training
• Full time students
• Access to Higher Education courses

How do you apply?

1) Download and complete form PTG1

2) Send to University or college

3) Send to your Local Authority (student finance section) -there are some exceptions

4) Local Authority will confirm


What help is available?

For most eligible students:

•A fee grant of up to £1150 (non repayable)

•A course grant of up to £250 per year, for up eight years


How is eligibility assessed?

• where you live
(‘ordinarily’ resident in UK)

• the type of course you are studying
(NQF Level 4 or above, studying a rate of 50% or more equivalent to a full time course and on the list?

• your personal eligibility
(means tested, single/partner, Children? Other support eg housing benefit income level)


How is the ‘intensity’ of your course worked out?

On CAT points (credit accumulation transfer)

eg a 3 year full-time honours degree is 360 cat points, 120 cat points per year, 1200 hours of guided learning

Note: many part time work based courses can have a learning rate equivalent to full time

Here are some links to the relevant pages about student finance.
The first link shows you a table of what you may be entitled to (scroll down the page to find the table)

Part-time students

Fee Grant
This grant will be up to £1180. Students must be studying at a rate of 50% or more of a full-time equivalent course, and the amount of support that you could receive is linked to the intensity of your study. You will not have to repay this grant, and the amount you get is based on your household income.
Help with course costs
A grant of up to £255 is available, to help meet the cost of books, travel and course expenditure. You will not have to repay this grant, and the amount you get is based on your household income.

The second link will soon give a further link to the information about part time student grants. If you scroll right down to the bottom of the page you will find this:

08/09 Part-time Students

Applications and guidance notes for students who wish to apply for part-time support in 08/09 will be available at this link from mid-July.

Keep checking that page and you will soon be able to access detailed information.

I hope that this may be of help to you.
Good luck!