Enrolling on a Higher Education Programme

Enrolling on a Higher Education Programme is a smart investment in your future, with graduates earning on average £12,000 per year more than non-graduates over their working lifetime. But it doesn’t stop there; graduates are also half as likely to be unemployed and twice as likely to find work again if they are. With this in mind, if it’s the thought of paying for your education that’s holding you back, don’t let it. It’s much more affordable than you think and will prove to be the best investment in your future you can make.

Loans are available that don’t have to be repaid until you’re earning over £27,295

Both full and part-time students entering onto a higher education course will be eligible for a student loan to cover tuition fees, which you don’t have to pay back until you’re earning in over £27,295 per year. After that, how much you pay back depends on how much over £27,295 you earn.

Around half of all new and full time students are likely to be able to receive a full or partial grant.

Tuition Fees & Student Loans

All students on a Higher Education course can cover the cost of tuition fees through a student loan. Students do not need to pay any fees either upfront before starting the course or while studying. Instead, you can apply for a student loan to cover your tuition fees, which is then paid direct to the College in your behalf. These loans are dependent on your income and are available to all part-time and full-time students. You only need to start paying your loan back once you’re earning over £27,295. Students already earning over £27,295 per year will not have to repay anything until the April after you compete your course.

Repayments

You’ll be due to start repaying your loan in the April after you leave or complete your course, whichever comes first.

You pay back your loan (plus interest) when you finish your course and are earning more than £524 per week, £2,274 per month or £27,295 per year. You pay interest from the day the first payment is made to the College until your loan has been paid back in full.

Your repayments will stop if your income drops below £27,295 a year. Your monthly repayment amount will be 9% of any income you earn over £27,295.

There’s also help available with living costs for full time students.

If you’re a full time student and need help with living costs, student loans are also available. These are paid back in the same way as your tuition fee loan and information about interest rates is available from:
 www.gov.uk/studentfinance

Other help is also available To find out more about the full range of support available to help you make the best possible investment in your future, visit:
  www.gov.uk/studentfinance