Long distance learning; grant/bursary?

tayler_remi

Hi there - not sure if this is the right board but here we go.

I'm interested in doing a-levels long distance learning from Oxford university however the fee comes to a total of £900 for 3 alevels. Are there any bursaries/grants I might be eligable for? If it helps, I am technically classed as 'disabled', am 19 years old and come from a low income household.

Thanks very much!

dmg24

Are you sure that Oxford University offer A Levels?

Oldernotwiser

Unless you're particularly keen on doing A levels, why not do all or part of a degree with the Open University, which will be fully funded if you are on benefits or a low income. You don't need A levels to start a degree with the OU and they have short introductory courses if you don't feel confident about degree level study.

It's also often possible to offer a year or two's study with the OU as an entry qualification for a degree at a "bricks and mortar" university if you would prefer this routs.

tayler_remi

Mmm I could do that but the problem is I'm only 19 and really want to go away for university, you know? I could do an Access course but again this is going to be a lot of money, money I don't have. And yes, they do offer A-levels - fast track a-levels.

dmg24

Are you sure it isn't Oxford College that you are looking at? If so, they are nothing to do with Oxford University, and have mixed reviews.

Oldernotwiser

tayler_remi wrote: »

Mmm I could do that but the problem is I'm only 19 and really want to go away for university, you know? I could do an Access course but again this is going to be a lot of money, money I don't have. And yes, they do offer A-levels - fast track a-levels.

An Access course isn't going to cost you lots of money. If it's your first level 3 course it will be free and you'll get £30 per week Adult Learning Grant as well as being able to work part time and/or carry on claiming any disability benefits.

There's no funding for courses at private colleges.

tayler_remi

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

An Access course isn't going to cost you lots of money. If it's your first level 3 course it will be free and you'll get £30 per week Adult Learning Grant as well as being able to work part time and/or carry on claiming any disability benefits.

There's no funding for courses at private colleges.

Fantastic. Thankyou.

kingfisherblue

tayler_remi wrote: »

Mmm I could do that but the problem is I'm only 19 and really want to go away for university, you know?

You don't go away to study with the Open University - you study at home, in your own time. My daughter didn't want to move away either. She's 18 and wanted to stay at home, sio she started with the OU and is nearing the end of her first course, which she has really enjoyed. She also has a job, but can fit her studying around this. She has full support from a tutor, who is available by email and phone, and in future courses, she will have web based support as well.

Because she is low paid, my daughter's courses are paid for. She is hoping to complete her degree with the OU without aquiring any student debt, even if she has to pay for any future courses if her earnings increase.

Even if you decide to complete your A levels first, the OU might be an option for the future for you

http://www.open.ac.uk/

Good luck x

bestpud

kingfisherblue wrote: »

You don't go away to study with the Open University - you study at home, in your own time. My daughter didn't want to move away either. She's 18 and wanted to stay at home, sio she started with the OU and is nearing the end of her first course, which she has really enjoyed. She also has a job, but can fit her studying around this. She has full support from a tutor, who is available by email and phone, and in future courses, she will have web based support as well.

Because she is low paid, my daughter's courses are paid for. She is hoping to complete her degree with the OU without aquiring any student debt, even if she has to pay for any future courses if her earnings increase.

Even if you decide to complete your A levels first, the OU might be an option for the future for you

http://www.open.ac.uk/

Good luck x

I think the OP wants to go away to uni but needs to get A levels first so is looking at the best/cheapest way of achieving them.

kingfisherblue

Sorry, I misread the post

Mojisola

Trying for A levels would be more expensive and take time. Look at the OU site and see what appeals. If you do want to go away to uni at some later point, your studies will be taken into account.

Another good option is an access course at a local college - my son did this because he missed most of secondary school through illness and wanted to get the experience of working in an academic environment. It added a couple of years to his studies but, for his situation, it was worth it.