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Sunday, 22 November 2009

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Help with the costs of learning

Thinking about a college course to brush up on your skills, higher education or postgraduate study? Whatever you're planning to do, it’s worth finding out about the financial support that may be available.

Financial help if you’re staying in education after 16

There are more options than ever before if you want to stay in education after 16 – including A levels, work-related qualifications and the new Diploma.

And depending on your circumstances, EMA could give you up to £30 a week. If you need help with childcare costs, you may qualify for Care to Learn. You may also be able to get help with transport costs, and there’s specialist support for residential and performing arts courses.

Money to learn at 16 to 19

Financial help if you’re learning as an adult

Getting into learning as an adult can be rewarding, whether you want to open up new job options or just help the kids with their homework.

For courses to improve your reading, writing or maths – or get your first qualification equivalent to GCSEs or A levels – you may not have to pay any fees.

You may also get financial support through other sources: for example, the Adult Learning Grant and schemes to help with childcare costs.

Financial help for adult learners

Financial help in higher education

With courses available at local colleges as well as universities, there are plenty of options to help you fit higher education in with other commitments.

All qualifying students doing a full-time course can take out Student Loans, and may be able to get non-repayable help through grants and bursaries. Around two thirds of new, full-time students are expected to qualify for a grant.

There’s also financial help for part-time students, disabled students and students with children.

Student finance: financial support in higher education

Financial help with postgraduate study

Postgraduate study is an option if you have a good first degree.

There are a number of potential sources of funding, depending on the type of course you do - including studentships, Professional and Career Development Loans and Disabled Students’ Allowances. So it’s well worth looking carefully at all the options.