You may still be eligible for a student loan if you’re studying part-time
EU and international students
Your eligibility for student finance will depend on where you plan to study, and whether you are from the EU or outside of the EU.
Finance for part-time study
Student Finance England offers loans to students on courses with a course intensity’ of 25% or higher this is measured by how much of your course you’ll complete each year compared to a full-time student.
- You’ll need to apply to Student Finance England directly for your loan.
- Part-time Tuition Fee Loans are not means tested so you’ll be eligible to apply regardless of your income, and whether or not you are currently employed.
- There’s no age limit.
- The earliest you’ll be asked to start repaying your loan is either the April after your course finishes, or the April four years after your course begins (whichever comes first).
- You repay 9% of what you earn over ?25,725 for example, if you earn ?26,000, you’ll only repay ? per year (9% of ?275).
- Or if you earn ?30,000, you’ll pay back ? per year (9% of ?4,275).
- Repayments are taken by your employer automatically, through the UK tax system.
How is student finance calculated?
It is means-tested, and based on your household income. As a mature student, there a number of factors that could affect this, such as dependents, employment, and a partner’s earnings. SFE have set up a calculator to help clarify what you could be entitled to.
Scholarships and bursaries
Many universities and colleges offer scholarships or bursaries. Check out their individual websites or speak to student services directly (either call or during an open day/visit) for more information, or use the Scholarship Hub.
Other grants and support
Extra support for applicants with invididual needs , and for those with children and dependants may also be available , such as the Parents’ Learning Allowance, Childcare Grant, Adult Dependants’ Grant, Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs) , and others.
There is also help available to fund an Access to Higher Education course, called an Advanced Learning Loan. If you take out an Advanced Learning Loan to study an Access to Higher Education Diploma course, it will be written off once you complete a subsequent higher education course.
Where to apply?
- For courses in England , apply to Student Finance England. ?
Postgraduate finance and funding
Getting funding for postgraduate study isn’t always as straightforward as the process for undergraduate study, but there’s still a range of options you can look into.
Teacher training
The finance and funding available for postgraduate teacher training courses varies depending on where in the UK you plan to study.
Student finance resources
Find out more about the different forms of support and help available on the student finance or additional funding sections of our website.
Higher education is a major investment in your future . Once you’ve decided what and where to study, you’ll need to consider how to fund your studies. Be aware that there are different options depending on where you live, where you plan to study, and at which level, so check the details carefully before you make your application.
Depending on where you live, there are different options available, and you will need to apply to different organisations. Each will have different deadlines, so read the following information carefully:
There is also help available to fund an Access to Higher Education course, called an Advanced Learning Loan. If you take out an Advanced Learning Loan to study an Access to Higher Education Diploma course, it will be written off once you complete a subsequent higher education course.
Eligible students can receive money towards the cost of accomodation and living costs, and some may also be able to apply for an additional means-tested maintenance grant. Maintenance loans are available to all students.