Tuition Fees Support

You might have to contribute towards tuition fees, depending on your income and, where appropriate, your parents’ or spouse’s income. Many students do not have to pay the required full amount and some pay nothing at all.

Your Local Education Authority (LEA) will assess how much, if there is any, you need to pay. Do not delay this step! It is very important that you apply to your LEA as soon as you have an offer on a course.

You must also apply to your LEA even if you do not believe you will receive any assistance with fees – you cannot apply for a Student Loan without doing so.

Tuition fees grants

Students may apply to their LEA for a grant of up to £575 towards the cost of their fees. This is paid directly to your university. You will eligible if you are in receipt of Income Support, income related Job Seekers Allowance, Housing Benefit, or local Council Tax Benefit. Those students with a gross income of £14,599 or lower and students in receipt f child/working tax credit with free prescriptions may also apply.

Course Grant

Students with low incomes can apply for a grant to help with the costs of their course provided that they are studying a minimum of four academic units in any one academic year. Course grants of up to £250 are available by applying at your LEA. Complete application forms are available from your LEA or the Department of Education & Skills (DfES) www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport.