Open University Courses Free For Unemployed?

Truegho

Is it true that distance learning Open University courses are free for unemployed people on JSA? If so, that would be great, as I am unemployed and want to study to improve my job prospects.

purplerose

Yeah you might be eligible for a fee waiver. They have an eligibility checker http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/explained/financial-support.shtml

GotToChange

Largely speaking, yes they are. Depending on the course, you may have to either get your application (for financial support) signed by the JCP or send a letter of benefit entitlement. You do this before you make the course application and can check on progress by phoning. If it is "only" one of the 10-point course, the financial assistance (ie no fee) is part of the application and the first you may know about acceptance is on-line access this may only apply if existing so may not be correct if you are new as you will need an online profile/access password creating.

For the 30 and 60 point courses, fee remission should also entitle you to a one-off (per OU academic year) study support grant (c. £250) and a computer grant (yes you will have to buy one and send the recepit, although this can be done after the grant has gone into your bank account). If you do a Maths course you are also entitled to a computer-compatible scientific calculator that would cost nearly £100 to purchase.

Be sure that you want to go through with it as you are expected to complete the courses and quitting can impact on future financial support.