Find out how much it will cost before coming to a decision

This information applies to English-domiciled students. Further information is available in the student finance section.

The help available to independent or mature students is broadly the same as for dependent students going into higher education, although additional support, such as help with childcare, is also available. See 'Other help' below for more information.

If you are a mature student, the question of how you will support yourself can be difficult. You need to plan early and do your research, because the variety of support packages on offer is complex. See our list of 'Useful websites' below.

There are two main expenses that students have whilst at university or college:

  • tuition fees (a contribution towards the cost of the course)
  • maintenance fees (accommodation and living expenses).

The student finance section of this site contains links to general information about fees, grants, bursaries and student loans. You will also be able to use an online budget calculator.

By using the Course Search facility, you can find out more about specific fees, bursaries and financial support for courses that you are interested in studying.

Student support services and student associations, listed in the prospectus for each university or college, can offer individual advice.

Independent students

For financial support purposes, there are two main types of student - dependent and independent.

Dependent students are those whose parents' income is taken into account when calculating whether or not they have to contribute to their tuition fees or living costs.

Independent students are assessed on their own income, not that of their parents. Additionally they must meet one of the following conditions:

  • be aged 25 or over on the first day of the academic year for which they are applying; or
  • be married or in a civil partnership before the start of the academic year for which they are applying for support; or
  • have care of a child or children on the first day of the academic year for which they are applying for support; or
  • have supported themselves for at least three years; or have no living parents.

More information about independent students and how to apply for financial support is available in the student finance section of the website.

Equivalent and Lower Qualifications (ELQs)

On 7 September 2007, John Denham, The Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, announced that from 2008/09, funding would no longer be provided to students from England and Northern Ireland who study for a qualification that is equivalent to, or lower than, a qualification they already hold. Certain courses will be exempt from this policy such as teaching, nursing and social work.

For further information regarding funding please visit www.dius.gov.uk/publications/hefunding.html.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees vary both from one institution to another and in different parts of the British Isles. See student finance for more information.

Student loans

Student loans for tuition fees are available to all eligible students and, if you live in England or Wales and are aged under 60, you can apply for a student loan for living costs.

Student loan balances (other than arrears) will be written off after 25 years. This applies to student loans for maintenance and for tuition fees.

Student loans and fees will be added together and only have to be paid back once you have finished studying and are earning £15,000 or more a year. You may even be eligible to defer repayment for up to five years.

For more information see the student finance section of the site.

Grants

New full-time students from low-income households are able to apply for a non-repayable Maintenance Grant. Around one third of eligible students are expected to be entitled to a full Maintenance Grant of up to around £2,906 a year. The amount payable depends on your income and that of your household.

For more information see the student finance section of the site.

Other help

Students with dependent children are currently able to claim extra help for the costs of childcare and for additional course-related costs (the Parents' Learning Allowance). Students with adult dependants can also claim an extra allowance, and there is a fund for students with disabilities to help with any extra study costs.

Other sources of funding include:

Useful websites

www.aimhigher.ac.uk/student_finance - the Aimhigher national programme provides comprehensive information to help you get started on the road into higher education. This section of its website includes a cost of living calculator and information on what help is available.

www.studentfinancewales.co.uk - online services and information for Welsh students interested in the financial help available to students in higher education.

www.education-support.org.uk - student support service for higher education students who are funded through the five Northern Ireland Education and Library Boards.

www.student-support-saas.gov.uk - website of the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, whose purpose is to deal with financial support and give advice to eligible Scottish students in higher education throughout the United Kingdom.

www.nusonline.co.uk/info/money - website of the National Union of Students. It includes advice on a range of financial matters, from student overdrafts to paying back student loans.

www.studentsupportdirect.co.uk - this site provides services and information for those in England who are interested in financial support for students in higher education.