Year abroad student

UKroseblue

Hi

I am looking for some advice regarding student finance funding for a year abroad as part of a language course. (Third year)

Currently I am in year 1 but although I have searched many forums, I can't seem to find a definitive answer...

I know about the Erasmus funding if I go that route, but it is the basic student funding I'd like info on please, specifically: Maintenance loan and grant.

I currently receive Loan, SSG, PLA and bursary. I know I won't get the bursary - already checked with uni but I have received conflicting info on loan - I was told by my student finance that it increased by £1000 and I would lose all grants, however, I read somewhere I would receive a grant and a loan as normal. No info about SSG/PLA. I am a mature student with a dependent who will be 16 during YA.

Can anyone clarify what I may be entitled to please?

Taiko

Entitled to SSG/PLA if you're on the ERASMUS scheme, whoever told you that is a complete moron.

The rate of loan is higher than if you were in the UK but outside London.

UKroseblue

Thanks Taiko, I was hoping you'd come along!

That's better news then as I was worried I wouldn't get the PLA or SSG. I currently get full loan - £4950 - do you know if it will be more than that?

Also, if i don't go the Erasmus route and either go via another EU funding scheme ie: Grundtvig or just sort out my own unpaid placement (that's approved by my Uni) does this effect the statutory funding I would get?

Taiko

That possibly would. I'd need to really know the details of what you'd be doing on the unpaid placement. If it doesn't meet certain criteria, you would only get a reduced rate of the maintenance loan and no grants at all.

UKroseblue

Not sure yet as a bit too early to apply but I'll keep it in mind.

Thanks for your advice and once I know more, I might post again and look out for you!