Some advice required (Training)

TheSaxon

Afternoon People,

Just hoping somebody will be able to answer a question I have regarding my situation. I have been a long time lurker so please dont think I am just after an answer and then to leave.

I am currently employed by an American company working overseas (UK Citizen with British Passport), this is however just contract work and is coming to an end. I am looking to be home in August and would really like to further my education (HNC Level)

The course I want to do is Full time and is from September - June for one year. I have been excepted onto the course for September and now need to sort the finance side of things out and I will be good to go.

I have looked through all the guides on student finance and cant seem to find if for any reason I am not eligible. When the course starts in September I will be unemployed but I am currently employed. From what I have read I assume I will need to wait until I am unemployed to apply for finance and I will be good to go.

I hope this is the case but I just wanted to double check, I know alot of people here are alot more clued up with these type of things and if for any reason I would not be eligible I would rather know now rather than later.

Thanks in advance for your help.

harrys_dad

Most of the rules seem to be covered here

https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies

The residency qualification may be difficult as follows:

"you’re a UK national or have ‘settled status’ (no restrictions on how long you can stay)
you normally live in England
you’ve been living in the UK for 3 years before starting your course"

as you have been living abroad.

It does not seem as if your employment status has anything to do with it.

TheSaxon

I am currently working in Afghanistan, have been since August 2011, so for the 2012/2013 tax year I am classed as non resident, but as I am coming home in August I will be classed as a resident for 2013/2014 tax year, obviously this is for tax purposes.

Before August 2011 I had never worked outside the UK

I assume I will be eligible for a student loan but just wanted to clarify incase there is something I was missing!

saintjammyswine

Providing you have not been outside of the UK (or EU) for more than 3 years you should be ok.

Best to check with the college/Uni you will be studying at.

Savvy_Sue

TheSaxon wrote: »

I assume I will be eligible for a student loan but just wanted to clarify incase there is something I was missing!

What sort of course is it, at what level?

TheSaxon

HNC in Electrical Engineering, I am going to give Student Finance a call today and hopefully get a definate answer!

The college I will be studying at provided me with the student finance link.

saintjammyswine

A 24+ Advanced learning loan should help.

https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learning-loans/overview

TheSaxon

Would that be on top of a Tution Fee loan, Maintenance Loan and Maintenance Grant??

saintjammyswine

The loan is meant to pay for all college fees, maintenance & income would be a seperate issue, the college may have access to bursary support if required.