Student finance after previous study

bestpud

Taiko wrote: »

It would be 3 + 1 - 2. The previous funding doesn't come into it at all on the top-up.

The regulations have the calculation worded a bit different to the working sheet I made, but read as follows:

2) Where the current course begins on or after 1st September 2009, this regulation applies to–
(a) a current system student who is on an end-on course of the kind described in paragraph (d) of the definition of “end-on course” in regulation 2;
(b) a current system student who—
(i) has completed a full-time, part-time, full-time distance learning or compressed degree course and achieved a lower level qualification;
(ii) is on a full-time first degree course (other than a first degree course for the initial training of teachers) that the student did not begin immediately after the course referred to in paragraph (i); and
(iii) has not taken a full-time first degree course after the course referred to in paragraph (i) and before the current course.
(3) Regulations 21 and 22 do not apply to students to whom this regulation applies.
(4) The standard entitlement of a student to whom paragraph (1) applies is calculated as follows—

• where
• D is the greater of 3 and the number of academic years that make up the ordinary duration of the course
• X is 1 where the ordinary duration of the preliminary course was less than three years and 2 where the ordinary duration of the preliminary course was three years
• PrC is the number of academic years that the student spent on the preliminary course excluding any years of repeat study for compelling personal reasons.

(5) The standard entitlement of a student to whom paragraph (2) applies is calculated as follows–-

• where
• D is the greater of 3 and the number of academic years that make up the ordinary duration of the course
• X is –
• 1 where the ordinary duration of the preliminary course was less than three years,
• 2 where the ordinary duration of the preliminary course was three years,
• 3 where the ordinary duration of the preliminary course was four years,
• 4 where the ordinary duration of the preliminary course was five years, and
• 5 where the ordinary duration of the preliminary course was six years
• PrC is the number of academic years that the student spent on the preliminary course excluding any years of repeat study for compelling personal reasons.

Paragraph 2(13) of the regs state:

(13) Where the current course is an end-on course, the specified designated course is the course in relation to which the current course is an end-on course (the “preceding course”). Where the preceding course is itself an end-on course, the specified designated course is the course in relation to which the preceding course is an end-on course.

Basically though, and in plain english, you'll be entitled to support for the top-up year, regardless of CPR.

Hope that helps. I prefer chocolates though, as they don't get me in trouble!

Thank you!

Haha! I'd send you a virtual box of chocolates if I knew how to post piccies!

But I don't, so a kiss it is! :kisses3: I won't tell if you don't!

Taiko

No worries. Expect arguments with SFE over this, but those are the rules. I'd say save a copy of that post ready for when you get on to the top-up. By which time, I'll no longer be working in finance. However, I'll be doing FOI for the internal guidance each year (the stuff they don't publish).

bestpud

Taiko wrote: »

No worries. Expect arguments with SFE over this, but those are the rules. I'd say save a copy of that post ready for when you get on to the top-up. By which time, I'll no longer be working in finance. However, I'll be doing FOI for the internal guidance each year (the stuff they don't publish).

Thanks. I had thought it may be an idea to save this thread as it is unlikely to go smoothly!

I have another couple of questions (sorry ):

Should I still apply for student finance this year or not? I'm guessing I need not bother as it will be a 'no' anyway but will it help the top up year claim if I do?

Why is it that previous funding doesn't apply? I have this feeling I will be told it does when the time comes and I'm not clear why it doesn't. I hate arguing over stuff I don't fully understand!

Because it would matter if I just decided to do a top up year now, wouldn't it? So what's the difference?

Not for the faint hearted those regulations, are they! :rotfl:

Taiko

With top-up's, only the preliminary course is taken into account. As this would be the current FD, the rest of it gets ignored completely.

Lucky in a way, but I'm sure SFE will get it wrong. I'd say for continuity, apply for both years even though you won't get anything. Keeps things on the system then.

They're not easy, I'll agree. Took me a while to get bits, then I still refer back to them a lot for decisions now. As it stands, there's not enough specialist regs people at SFE (Source: PWC Report published on the BIS website).

bestpud

Taiko wrote: »

With top-up's, only the preliminary course is taken into account. As this would be the current FD, the rest of it gets ignored completely.

Lucky in a way, but I'm sure SFE will get it wrong. I'd say for continuity, apply for both years even though you won't get anything. Keeps things on the system then.

They're not easy, I'll agree. Took me a while to get bits, then I still refer back to them a lot for decisions now. As it stands, there's not enough specialist regs people at SFE (Source: PWC Report published on the BIS website).

Thanks, Taiko.

I'll get the claim in early as poss when the time comes as it's bound to be a lengthy process!

alialibi

Hi,

Having trouble following the above but as much as I can make out, you have three years plus one. This is for Degree, HND, HNC level only?

I am going back to study this year (three weeks into the course) have called SF on FIVE occasions to confirm all ok with my application - yes they said.

Turns out;

A. I applied for the wrong year (started course Jan 12, should have applied for 11/12 not 12/13. No one pointed this out until my 4th phone call.

B. I dropped out of a Degree course two years ago because of illness. I was again told this would not affect this years finance as I have three years left anyway (was planning on Dr's letter to try and get that year wiped)

C. Today I am told (after much screaming) that I may not be entitled to funding for the course because of a self funded ONC I did in 1992!! Is that right?

I may get the maintenance loan.

So my question is why does a further education self funded course nearly twenty years ago affect funding for a Degree today, and should my dropping out of a year because of extenuating circumstances affect my application?

:(Thank you

amiehall

What is an ONC? I tried to google it and it looks like an A Level equivalent rather than higher education. Is that right?

Oldernotwiser

ONC was a level 3 qualification, equivalent to a BTEC National certificate. There's no earthly reason why this should affect your application for student finance and I assume that someone has confused it with HNC, which would affect it.

Taiko

In full agreement with ONW.

blue_mum

Hi, I've looked for some advice but can not find it, so apologies if this has already been asked.
Back in the mid 90's I completed a degree, only got a 3rd. Not very good, became pregnant in final year and spent half year being ill, but i carried on with degree. Maybe not the best decision, but I can't change the past.
Fast forward to now, many years professional work with children and additional qualifications gaind to keep upto date. Family now complete and right time to take my career further.
I'm a year too late , due to gov changes, to apply for a pgce or similar one year teacher training. Very disappointing. So researched alternatives. Spoke several times to student finance regarding a four year course that leads to QTS. Told yes I will get loans grants etc as the outcome is a teacher.
I applied and have been accepted. Brilliant news until today I applied online for finance which came back as a big fat 0 and I have to pay the uni fees. I called Student finance, they said wait upto 6 weeks for written response as it may change.

Does anyone know if this course will be eligible or not for student finance. Or is that it for me now and not take my career any further?
Very confused.