Mature student - can i get a loan??

debra_ann46

I don't know if anyone can advise me, I am applying via my employer, a local authority, to be seconded to do a social work degree. The authority will pay me a salary of between £14 - 15 K a year whilst I am studying and I have to agree to stay with said authority 3 years after qualifcation. However my partner lost his job last year and is only earning minimum wage - bringing home approx £190 per week. My current salary is just under £20 k a year so this will mean taking a 5K drop in income - we have a substantial mortgage and are just about making ends meet as it is. I am now worrying about the financial implications of doing this course although in the long term it will be good for my career and I will earn more money...
Can I apply for a student loan to top up my salary ? we have a daughter of 13 so getting a part time job to top up my salary might be feasible but won't be easy... I just wondered if anyone had been through a similar situation?

Wobblydeb

Have you already got an equivalent level degree? If not, then yes, you can apply for help with the cost of studying / tuition fees if you are studying full time.

Have a look here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/Applyingforthefirsttime/DG_171539
for more details and guidance.

debra_ann46

thanks Wobblydeb - I haven't got a degree, left school with A levels and ended up not taking up my place at uni - this was in the 80's - oh how I regret it... the days of grants , not loans, all seems so much easier then.. I am now 45 and my employer has shortlisted me for this social work degree but if you do it full time they do pay a wage but its a reduced one... I just wondered if I could top it up if I need to ! anyway, thanks for your help

Wobblydeb

It certainly sounds a fantastic opportunity ..... Just be sure that you can manage financially, and that this is something that you really want to study and have a realistic chance of completing.