Part-time degree - any help with fees??

brunetteangel84

I am starting a part-time degree at University in October, does anyone know if I can apply for a student loan to pay my fees? Also does anyone know if there is a Student bank account that I could open? Most T&Cs state course must be full-time in order to apply. I am 25, married with two kids and I work part-time. I'm eager to do this degree in Early Childhood Studies so I can do my PGCE from there and become a primary school teacher. Unfortunately if I can't get a student loan, then I will be unable to do the degree at all.
TIA

noelphobic

don't know the answer to your question but wondered if you have considered the Open University? Their funding is quite generous and if your family income is below around £30k you will get some help towards your fees, plus a grant of £255 per year. If you do have to pay your fees they do have their own loan scheme which you can apply to.

Hope this is of some help.

KT1985

I don't know the answer, but I second noelphobic about the OU- It is first class materials, and flexibility around you and your family.

I think that you can get loans and things, but I simply do not remember- I looked into part time study at brick uni, and then took up OU studies to fill some time and update my skills and I have never looked back- I am studying for an MEd currently- my next module is in Early Years.

MrsManda

sorry for the short reply but information about what finance support is available to PT students can be found HERE

HTH

Oldernotwiser

Funding for the OU is much the same as funding for any other form of part time degree study; a grant for the fees that is means tested on household income.

bestpud

With two children, you will be able to access the full grant if your income is less then around £21k.

There is no loan but the grant for tuition fees, when added to the grant for materials, adds up to just a bit less than the fees in most cases.

Some universities offer grants on top so I'd check that out too.

Would you need childcare and how far would you need to travel?

Also, if you currently receive tax credits, I don't think these are affected by the grant.

johng_uk

Again, I'm not sure about 'proper' university grants.

Like the folks said above though, the OU is a fantastic place to learn and the financial aid is quite good too.

I am in full-time employment, earn a decent wage, but the OU still paid a decent portion of my course dees this year!

It's worth a look if all else fails.

brunetteangel84

Many thanks for all your replies. I will have a look at the courses at the OU. My husband earns £30K and I earn £8K part time so we probably won't get a grant as we don't get tax credits. That's why I was hoping I could get a student loan and whack all the tuition fees on to that!! I should probably give SLC a call, I've just read that trying to get through to them on the phone is a nightmare!!

Thanks.

brunetteangel84

Ohh sorry - missed this bit off - the University is about 10 minutes away and childcare is my mum or hubby!! lol So I'm not worried about that. Just how I'm going to pay for the course!! Grrr!! lol

noelphobic

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Funding for the OU is much the same as funding for any other form of part time degree study; a grant for the fees that is means tested on household income.

I think it's probably a lot more generous than grants for part time degree study elsewhere.

noelphobic

brunetteangel84 wrote: »

Many thanks for all your replies. I will have a look at the courses at the OU. My husband earns £30K and I earn £8K part time so we probably won't get a grant as we don't get tax credits. That's why I was hoping I could get a student loan and whack all the tuition fees on to that!! I should probably give SLC a call, I've just read that trying to get through to them on the phone is a nightmare!!

Thanks.

you should be able to get a loan for fees from the OU, although the interest rate might work out a bit higher than what is currently charged for other student loans, as they are linked to the rate of inflation which is (allegedly!) low at the moment! The OU interest rate used to be around 8.9% APR I think, although that might have changed.