How can I afford it?
It is no secret that going to university is expensive, but don’t worry there is lots of help out there for you - and just think once you have graduated you will hopefully be earning lots anyway! Think of it as an investment into your own future.
2012/2013 Year
All the figures quoted are for students starting university in the 2012/2013 academic year, therefore please be aware that the exact amounts may change slightly each year.
Higher Education universities and colleges will charge a full time undergraduate fees of up to £9,000 per year, depending on which institution you go to.
Although this is a lot of money help is at hand. Loans are offered by the government with a really low interest rate that is linked to inflation, i.e. what you pay back is the same in real terms as what you borrowed. You don’t have to pay the loan back until you’re earning over £21,000 per year and only at an amount you can afford.
Click on the the Student Finance
England logo for further details.
Grants, bursaries and scholarships are available from the government and universities which is money that you do not need to pay back, so the money is free! Have a look below and see how it all works.
| What is available | Amount Available | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Student loan for tuition fees | Up to £9,000 | Non means tested. Paid directly to your university or college. Paid back once you start earning after graduation. |
| Student loan for living costs | Up to £7,675 | Dependant on your personal circumstances such as where you live, where you study and your household income. You will be paid direct to your bank account in three instalments. Paid back once you start earning after graduation. |
| Maintenance grant | Up to £3,250 | You do not need to pay this back. Depends on your household income. |
| Bursaries and scholarships |
Varied (depending on what your universities offers) |
You do not need to pay this back. If you pay full tuition fees and get the full maintenance grant you can apply to your university for their bursary. Scholarship availability is usually based upon factors such as the subject you study and the grades you get. |
If you live outside of England the financial package that is available to you will differ, for more information click here.
Find out from our students how they manage their money and what their costs are here.
Did You Know?
Student loan repayments are set in line with inflation. Therefore the value of the amount of money you pay back will be the same as the value of the amount you borrow.
