Student Loans
Tuition Fee Loans
Eligible students studying their first Higher Education course do not have to pay any tuition fees upfront. Many students fund their course fees by taking out a student loan via the Student Loans Company.
The student loan is repayable from the April after you have completed your course and when your earnings rise over £27,295 per year.* This amounts to £2,274 a month, or £524 a week.
When you earn above this amount, you will only pay back 9% of anything you earn over £27,295.
What you pay is linked to what you earn, not what you owe. If you never earn over that amount, you don’t pay anything back. Any outstanding loans will be written off after 30 years.
*Please note that these figures only apply to students who started their HE course from September 2012.
Maintenance Loans
There may be maintenance loans and grants available to eligible students to support with living costs during your studies.
You can apply for a Maintenance Loan via the Student Loans Company at the same time as applying for a Tuition Fee Loan. The amount you pay back will then be deducted from your salary by your employer, similar to tax deductions and national insurance payments.
Below is a example of loan repayments:
| Income per year |
Monthly income before tax |
Monthly repayments |
| £27,295 |
£2,274 |
£0 |
| £28,000 |
£2,333 |
£5 |
| £29,500 |
£2,458 |
£16 |
| £31,000 |
£2,583 |
£27 |
| £33,000 |
£2,750 |
£42 |
Information regarding funding is subject to change, so it is important that you check the following website for the latest information: www.gov.uk/browse/education/student-finance
Student Loans Company
For further information about Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loans eligibility, applications and repayments visit the Student Loans Company website at: www.slc.co.uk
Advanced Learner Loans
Advanced Learner Loans are tuition fee loans designed for students aged 19* or above, who are undertaking eligible Level 3 to Level 6 courses. This funding route may be an option for students applying for one of the Level 3 Access to Higher Education courses.
More information about the Advanced Learner Loans can be found at: www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan For students who aren’t able to access tuition fee loans, we offer flexible repayment options.
*If you are aged 19 – 23 years old and studying your first Level 3, there will be no cost for the course.
Supporting your Study
There may be other ways in which we can support your learning.
HE Hardship Fund
Where students are struggling financially, they can apply for a HE hardship payment. This is a one off payment, to reduce the barriers to learning. Learners must have accessed all funding available through the Student Loans Company and provide household income evidence for assessment.
Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS)
This is an independent agency which may be able to help people get funding for further or higher education if you do not qualify for government funding. For more information visit the EGAS website or call 020 7254 6251.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
It may be possible to receive financial support to cover any additional study related costs you incur due to a disability, depending on which college you choose to study with.
If you have a sensory or physical disability, a medical condition, a mental health difficulty or a specific learning disability, such as Dyslexia or Dyspraxia, you may qualify to apply for support.
DSA is available to both new and existing students, full-time or part-time and has no age limit.
If you qualify for Disabled Students’ Allowance you will need to have a DSA Needs Assessment to decide on the support you will need on your course.
Once you have received your letter from the funding body advising you that you are now approved for funding, you will need to arrange a needs assessment appointment. For further information please visit www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa
Other Support
College Bursary
Across our College Group we are able to support learners studying on courses up to and including Level 3, with additional costs associated with learning e.g. travel and equipment. To be eligible you must have accessed the appropriate loan (Student Finance England or Advanced Learner) and provide household income evidence.
Childcare Grant
Full-time Higher Education students with children can apply for a Childcare Grant to help with childcare costs for children under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs. You must be eligible for student finance to apply for a Childcare Grant. For further information and eligibility criteria, please visit www.gov.uk/childcare-grant
