This post first published: 28 March 2018
With more students choosing to study part time in order to fit study around their lives or family commitments, it’s important that they understand what financial help they can get to support them at university or college.
A number of changes have been made this year that students considering studying a part-time course need to know about.
New part-time students starting a course on or after 1 August 2018 will now be able to get a Maintenance Loan to help with the living costs they have while studying, such as rent or books. Students will still be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan, as well as extra help if they have a disability.
The amount of Maintenance Loan a student can get depends on where they live, where they study, and how many credit modules they study. Students will need to let us know how many credit modules they’re studying when they apply. If they’re not sure, they should check this with their uni or college.
In the case of part-time distance learning students or students studying with the Open University (OU), they too may also be able to get a Maintenance Loan if they’re studying by distance learning because of a disability.
Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans have to be repaid. Repayments will start the April after they finish their course or the April four years after the start of their course, whichever comes first, but only if their income is over the repayment threshold.
You can help your students understand these changes and help them get ready to apply for student finance with our new printed quick guide. Student finance – key facts and figures for part-time students gives high-level information about student finance available to students starting a part-time course on or after 1 August 2018.
Order your copies now!
