I dropped out of Uni after 2 years. Im now returning on a new course please help

AB85

Hi,

I originally went to uni straight after my A levels in 2003. I completed 2 years on a BA Business administration course then dropped out in 2005 and have been working full time ever since. I self funded my 2 years and took out no loans, got no grants and no bursaries. I did not receive any certificate or qualification? Should I have? Ive since been told I should have got an ordinary degree without honours? Anyway....

I am returning to Uni in September 2010 I will be 25. My course is not related and I have been told I must do another 3 years (PE degree).

I live at home with my parents still (I know 25! Im sad!). I am looking to apply as an independent student as my parents income would be above the threshold.

What am I entitled to grant wise? Does my 2 year stint at Uni even though I received no qualifications mean Im entitled to 0 in terms of grants? Or does the fact I am 25 and have been supporting myself for 3 years mean I can get a grant?

Please advise if possible. I plan on submitting my application asap as I have a confirmed place and would like to what Im going to have to pay or budget for.

Any help would be appreiciated.

Thanks

Adam

Taiko

If you're 25 before the 1st September 2010, you're automatically independent.

When was it you actually left? Did you start your 3rd year?

In any case, you will have to pay the tuition fees yourself in the first year, as you will only be entitled to a maintenance loan. This also means you wouldn't be entitled to a maintenance grant.

If you did start the 3rd year, the above will extend to the first two years of your new course.

AB85

so im independent but that fact that I went before means Im not entitled to a grant or a tuition fee loan? I started my third year but didnt complete.

Should I have received a qualification or award for completing the first two years?

So this means I wont get loans for the first two years!!!

I never took loans the first time! But im not entitled to them now??

Taiko

Yes, you've no entitlement to them if you were attending a designated course. If you were eligible for them previously but did not choose to take them, then it will count against you, under the previous study rules defined within The Student Support Regulations.

AB85

im not sure this is right...surely if i only achieved an ordinary degree and have had no previosu help from the governement? I must be entitled to some now if I want to go for an honours degree?

Humphrey10

No. Sucks, doesn't it. Even if you don't claim the loans or grants, it still counts as if you did. You are still entitled to 1 year of funding and the maintenance loans though, as Taiko said.
I don't know if you would be able to apply to the hardship fund or whatever they call it these days, maybe contact the uni and ask?

Oldernotwiser

Two years of degree level study is equivalent to an HND,not a degree without honours.

Although you did not take out any of the funding available, your two and a bit years of study were heavily funded by the government, which is why you aren't eligible for the funding.

AB85

so what if i dont declare I have been to uni before?

southoftheriver

Then they will find out, they are not silly.

Smashing

AB85 wrote: »

so what if i dont declare I have been to uni before?

Then you are committing fraud. It's not looked upon favourably by student finance, the universities and the taxpayers.