Funding your studies
Colleges and universities charge tuition fees for higher education courses, but most people can apply to receive a student loan, available from the government, to cover their course fees.
The student loan is available from the government and does not need to be paid back until you are earning a certain level of income.
The government also offers ‘maintenance’ loans which are designed to help you pay for some living costs while you are studying, for example, contributing to accommodation costs. Some students also receive a student grant to cover other living costs, for example, childcare, which does not have to be paid back. However, there are certain criteria that have to be met to receive a grant. Please check with our advisers when applying.
What funding help is available?
There is a range of support available to help finance your higher education studies.
Student Loans
Types of help for new full-time undergraduate higher education students include:
Tuition Fee Loans to cover the full cost of tuition fees, and also:
Maintenance Loans to cover living costs
Grants to cover living costs
Students can also get extra support if they have children or adult dependents, a disability or a specific learning difficulty
Find out more about student loans for higher education:
Student Finance – How You Are Assessed
Additional Information:
It is important that you apply for extra support e.g. Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) at the same time that you apply for a student loan – it may not be available once your course has started.
You do not need a confirmed offer of a college place before you can apply for a student loan. Apply as early as possible to prevent delays to your application
Self-funding
If you choose to pay any part of the fee yourself, the college offers an instalment plan to allow you to stagger your payments by direct debit.
Student Services
If you require any help or advice applying for your student loan, please speak to our student advisors on 0207 450 1889.
