Help with Access course fee?

Oldernotwiser

student_advisor wrote: »

You can get level 2 entitlement for a level 3 course if you don't already have a full level 2, thus getting a level 3 funded if you aged over 25 (quite a nice loophole!)
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Heavens - don't remind me of the dreaded jumpers!

Oldernotwiser

student_advisor wrote: »

and you would qualify for the Adult Learning Grant (income dependent - up to £30 per week) based on what you've said. .

The OP plans to study part time.

Jane81

Hi all,
Thank you all for your replies. There appears to be a small amount of confusion surrounding my situation, caused by my not explaining it properly the first time! It is as follows:
I want to do an Access Course part time (I think that this is around 16-20 hours per week, inclusive of classroom and self-study). To do it full time (and therefore be eligible for the ALG) I would have to put in upwards of 40 hours a week, and thus not be able to work during term time. Even though I would be able to work during holidays I still would not be able to get by on the ALG alone, as my partner, although he earns above the amount at which I would qualify for further support, cannot afford to pay all the rent, bills, his other commitments, his spending, and an allowance for me. This bit, to be honest, is not so much of a problem as, part time, I can work enough to pay my way, pus a bit extra during holidays. The cash-flow during the course issue is therefore not really the one I need advice on.
I have to pay the course fees, as these are waived above the age of 25 only if you do not have a full Level 2 qualification (5+ GCSEs grade C and above), which I do. (Below 25 the fee is waived if you do not already have a full Level 3 qualification eg 2 A Levels). This fee is the sticking point, as I have some debts that I need to repay (which will all be gone by the time the course starts), and cannot afford to stump up the full amount by July, which is when I enrol. I am hoping to be able to pay the fee in instalments, but if anyone knows of any grants or loans I may be eligible for I would be hugely grateful to them. I'm not really a special case as I am not on any benefits, have no children, no disabilities, etc.
Thanks all!