Financial help for a mature student

Nicholas123_2

I am looking at going back to college to get some a-levels. I am 20 years old. I have been supporting myself since I was 16. I wish to do three A-levels at one time so that i can go to university and correct the mistakes I made when I was younger.

However, I can not afford the course fee's as I was recently made unemployed, and due to my age I am classed as a "mature student". Is there any financial support I am entitled to?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Lokolo

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/Adultlearninggrant/index.htm

Nicholas123_2

I'm sorry, I thought I had explained. Must not have made it clear. I am living on my own. I need to know whether there is a way to get financial help that would actually make a difference. £30 a week is in no way enough to live off. That wouldn't even cover the cost of materials for the course, let alone the price of the actual courses.

I am in need of help, support and advice as to how I could get help with the actual course fee's.

Thanks

Lokolo

Then not that I know of.

carolan78

If you are on JSA the collage you do the A levels with may have concessions. Your best speaking to their financial advice team.

WillowCat

You might want to consider alternatives to A levels. Talk to the admissions department for the university and course you wish to finally attend, and see if there's any access courses or perhaps a foundation year which would qualify you for entry. For example, I'm about to start a science foundation which is a one year course and on completion I will be admitted to study BSc in Chemistry. I will qualify for full student loan/grant for the year.

Alternatively, you could consider some OU courses - with your income you would qualify for the course fees paid, and you could even get another job to help on the financial front. You could either use the OU course to grant you admission to a regular university, or continue with them for the full degree.

Oldernotwiser

carolan78 wrote: »

If you are on JSA the collage you do the A levels with may have concessions. Your best speaking to their financial advice team.

Unfortunately, you can't do a full time course and claim JSA.

Oldernotwiser

Nicholas123 wrote: »

I'm sorry, I thought I had explained. Must not have made it clear. I am living on my own. I need to know whether there is a way to get financial help that would actually make a difference. £30 a week is in no way enough to live off. That wouldn't even cover the cost of materials for the course, let alone the price of the actual courses.

I am in need of help, support and advice as to how I could get help with the actual course fee's.

Thanks

Don't worry about the fees; as this is your first level 3 course you won't have to pay anything. You need to either work full time and study part time or vice versa. If you choose the second option, the ALG will top up your part time wage.

As Willowcat suggested, look at Access courses or the OU (not necessarily the whole degree but a unit or 2 as an entry qualification); A levels aren't a particularly appropriate option for mature students.

Wiggynut

I went to Uni with only 4 o'levels!
I have friends who only had some o levels and did an access course who then went onto to do a degree!
I think my friend got a bursary of some type so she didn't have to pay for the course itself - it's a few years ago but I do think there is some funding for mature students (ie: independent like you) - you could ring up learndirect as they give out advice like this - I find ringing them easier than calling in... I could never get an actual appointment with a person but you should try it in your area and see.

I would go for an access or OU courses myself and not bother with A levels - plus depending on what course you want to do then you might be accepted if you have worked in your chosen area etc. (do you have any qualifications, ie: GCSE's?)
I'm doing a Digital Media Design BA and I've worked with Digital Media (low level) for years which is what got me on my course.

get some advice from learn direct - find out more information - don't give up