Mature student NI - funding if leave your job?

thriftyminx13

I was wondering if anyone knows of any links or has experience of going back to university or college as a mature student.

My partner basically hates his job and has done for a long time, which has lead to bouts of depression etc. I have told him to leave or reduce his hours and go study in an area he would like. He rents a room off me and is worried that e won't be able to help with mortgage etc.

He left school with a couple of A-levels 13 years ago but he doesn't even know where to begin. He has looked at doing an NVQ at Loughgall but he's not sure how you can find out about support/funding for courses, or if he'll be penalised because he has voluntarily left his job to study. He might like to try and find a university course too but he's not sure whether his A-level subjects (not science) will help in his favourite area of conservation etc.

Any advice? Or what experiences of mature study are there out there?

If any more info is needed happy to supply. Thanks in advance.

lrr_2

I am a mature student in my second year of college, doing an HNC in Engineering. The first year I got a bursary, travel expenses, childcare costs paid and help with mortgage. None of which I have to pay back. This year I got a student loan (which I pay back), travel expenses, help with mortgage, loan parent grant and childcare grant. As for University they use a points system so you would have to calculate what your A-levels are worth and see what courses they offer. You dont have much to live on but if its something you really want to do the reward will be worth it! Im hoping to start my 4 year honours degree in September (exam result depending) I know it will take a long time but it is something I really want to do and when qualifed can work anywhere in the world! Only regret is that I wish I had done it sooner!

booklover

thriftyminkx

he should got to Egsa
http://www.egsa.org.uk/

EGSA, 4th Floor, 40 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8BA


They are really helpful

Godo luck!

Fiona

thriftyminx13

Thanks for the information. Do either of you know whether he'd be penalised if he needed a grant because he would probably leave his job?

rjh090384

i was also thinking of doing something similar. but with a young baby and a mortgage, i would need a guarantee that i would get an amount equal to my wages to support me as we just about manage on that at the minute

thriftyminx13

rjh090384 wrote: »

i was also thinking of doing something similar. but with a young baby and a mortgage, i would need a guarantee that i would get an amount equal to my wages to support me as we just about manage on that at the minute

In our case, while our mortgage is lower, it's probably the best time he could go study.

nozzadamozza

good question thriftyminx13- am thinking of changing my career - am gonna now bother egsa (who i had forgotten about!)- hope your partner find something and it works out

thriftyminx13

I'm wondering is EGSA more essential life skills? or do they provide advice on grants etc.

thriftyminx13

LRR - how did you get your bursary etc or where did you go for information to start back into the world of study? many thanks.

lrr wrote: »

I am a mature student in my second year of college, doing an HNC in Engineering. The first year I got a bursary, travel expenses, childcare costs paid and help with mortgage. None of which I have to pay back. This year I got a student loan (which I pay back), travel expenses, help with mortgage, loan parent grant and childcare grant. As for University they use a points system so you would have to calculate what your A-levels are worth and see what courses they offer. You dont have much to live on but if its something you really want to do the reward will be worth it! Im hoping to start my 4 year honours degree in September (exam result depending) I know it will take a long time but it is something I really want to do and when qualifed can work anywhere in the world! Only regret is that I wish I had done it sooner!

lrr_2

rjh090384 wrote: »

i was also thinking of doing something similar. but with a young baby and a mortgage, i would need a guarantee that i would get an amount equal to my wages to support me as we just about manage on that at the minute

i barely have enough to live on but i can do it but means no extras i.e out at weekends and stuff like that. I an a divorced 35 year old single parent and have a 9 year old daughter who goes to afterschool club and a mortgage. money is tight but we do go to the cinema (orange wednesdays 2 for 1) and use my student discount for anything i can get. you just have to think about what you want out of it and is it worth it. you wont get near a wage but you dont have to pay council tax. i get approx £600 per month for being a student and csa, ctc and child benefit.

lrr_2

thriftyminx13 wrote: »

LRR - how did you get your bursary etc or where did you go for information to start back into the world of study? many thanks.

just contact your local college and apply. they have student services there to make sure you get all the help you need., just make an appointment with them.

only thing about college is it does make you feel old as full of 16 year old's but dont let that put you off. im in a class where i am the only mature student and female but couldnt care less but credit to them they are fine with me and actually its a good laugh to see things from their perspective! life is one big drama to them, o boy are they in for a shock!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: