University Tuition Fees... Advice Greatly Appreciated

laurajaylee

Ok folks, I really could do with some advice as i'm a bit unsure of what to do next...

I've applied for and been accepted to start university in Bath in September and applied for a loan through SAAS (as I live in Scotland at present)... The loan company got back to me a day later and said that they would be unable to pay my tuition fees or loan as I had already received funding for a previous degree course (which I was unable to complete)...

I'm due to move down in a couple of months and i'm worried i'll have to put university off again, as the fees are £3145 and i'd struggle to pay that and rent and bills, as well as survive...!

If anyone has any suggestions or advice I would greatly appreciate it...

Cheers,

Gra...

Voyager2002

I am afraid that SAAS are following the rules correctly. You might consider deferring your course for a couple of years while you save up, but do be aware that tuition fees for people who have already studied for another degree are likely to increase substantially.

Otherwise, study part-time while working. The Open University offers supported distance learning of a very high standard. If you need face-to-face lectures then Birkbeck College, London University, is also an excellent institution for part-time students (all teaching takes place in the evening). There may well be other options.

Crabman

Hi Gralaur, I've moved this to the 'Student MoneySaving' Board

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

laurajaylee

bumping bump

The_One_Who

SAAS explain this on their website. If you have already received funding for years of study then they will not fund again unless there are mitigating circumstances, but then they wouldn't pay it all again, only from the year you stopped. So if you drop out in second year, they will pay for third and fourth, but not the first two years.

The only way to afford it will be to work full time and keep saving money. Ask to defer your entry and then just work and work until you can afford it. Or the Open University where you can work and study is a good option if they do your course.

petshopgirlemma

A very complicated one this, did you have your original degree course funded by the English or Scottish LEA? The English rules are slightly different and it depends on when you started your course.

Thre is a VERY sneaky clause which states that if you leave your courseafter a certain date (usually end Nov / Start Dec) you are classed as having had support for the whole year which is very unfair and far too soon for you to have decided whther or not you have made the wrong degree coice.

Secondly, if you never completedyour first degree there may be some hope. i was told once that itis the "honours" part of your degree that really cliches it in terms of later funding ie did you have honours on your first degree? Presuming you never completed, the likely answer is no.

You are entitled a certain number of year's support. Check you have not exceeded this.

I woudl say the best thing to do is chat not only to your current LEA but also the LEA you will be under when you move. It may be worth moving sooner if you would get a better deal in England.

Do not just stpo investigating ow, there may be options available. Speak to the finance dept at bath Spa, most likely they will have a number of grants you can apply for.

Auzelia

I heard of someone who sent the SAAS a letter explaining why they could not finish the course and they where then granted another tuition fee.

I think this would only work (if it is indeed true) if you have a very good reason.