almost 21 and want to return to education but alot of factors to consider!

Elmiee_2

I work at McDonalds full time, have done for a year but might and think I have a job at tescos HOWEVER things have to change, I don't want to be working in supermarkets and making do in 20 years time and however much I feel too old to be going into education again I think now would be better than being depressed at a till in 20 years regretting my life.

I want to get into nursing or doctor! I think I have to start of at college before going to uni though as I only have keyskills level 2 in maths, english and ICT, first aid, kayak 2* and a BTEC national diploma in outdoor education (MMP).

However I live at home still and I pay £70 every 2 weeks which I would still need to pay ontop of my phonebill/travel expenses etc. First question is would there be any help if I went to college full time? Also what help would I get if I moved out and rented? Would I still be entitled to benefits/get any extra help while studing?

skint-student-nurse

try www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk if your considering nursing as you can calcualte your bursary and find out what else you can claim and each uni has different criteria for entry so you might be able to get in to a uni with the qualifications you already have. you dont pay council tax as a student nurse and you may qualify for housing benefit. if you need any more help re nursing, just pm me

Oldernotwiser

University level study is funded by a system of loans and grants and students are unable to claim benefits.you can find full details on www.direct.gov.uk

student_advisor

If you need to go back to college first, you will find that there's very little (if any) funding available for you as you already have a level 3 qualification and you will not be able to claim any benefits if you are full-time.

More funding is available when you start your degree: information about NHS-funded courses is available on www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students.Medicine is funded through Student Finance England for the first few (4?) years then through the NHS for the rest.