Funding external learning?

natalie90_2

Hi, I am considering doing a distance learning course Bsc in Management and Law through the University of London and will get a degree at the end of it from London School of Economics. Would I be eligible for student fundings such as the maintenance grant and tuition fee loan? I am currently at the Uni of Herts, but am looking to leave this at the end of this year (my first year) to do the above course as I can't afford to fund the course at Uni of Herts. The distance learning course works out much cheaper (about £3000) for the whole degree rather than doing it the normal way (about £3000 a year for a four year course!!). I am from a low income family and am 18.
If anyone had any idea as it isn't mentioned on the directgov site as to whether I would be eligible????
Thanks for any help
natalie x

Fire_Fox

If you are from a low income family, I assume you are receiving the full maintenance grant and loan? Are you also working part-time? Do you know where your money has been spent? You might consider completing a Statement of Affairs on the Debt-free Wannabe board (or just for your own purposes) as it can be really helpful to get fresh pairs of eyes on your budget.

KT1985

I am not sure that you can get stdudent loans and things for external courses... (it says on the website that you can't)

I am studying with the OU, and I am not entitled to help because hubs earns too much, but lots of other people do. Have you considered this?

Would be happy to chat about my experiences, I am a young student too PM me if you like

Oldernotwiser

If you're studying part time then, with any institution , you can apply for a grant to pay your fees if you live in a low income household. No funds for maintenance are payable as the assumption is that you will be keeping yourself by earning or living on benefits.

As far as leaving your current place, are you getting all the funding available to you in terms of loans, grants and bursaries? Students from low income households normally find themself able to manage better as they have more funding available to them. Why are you finding it difficult to manage in this situation?

Stubert

To reiterate what Oldernotwiser just said, I quite often found my friends who got money due to being on lower parental income often ended up being better off than those of us who didn't receive additional support.

Surely your £3000 tuition fees you don't have to pay back until you've started earning over £15k? I'm sure paying rents at Herts is extremely expensive but assuming you don't have to pay your fees back until you're earning you may be better off staying (obviously I don't know your circumstances) if you able to afford to live (with maintenance loan/grants etc) as you're not guareented funding to do a distance learning course.

I'm sure Herts Uni will have some sort of hardship fund that you may be able to apply for?

Jersy

im doing distance learning post grad through a uni (not OU)

Pay for it myself - bloody expensive. and motivation is hard!

I wish i could type as much on it as i have on MSE in the last hour