Funding for students undertaking a part-time course

For new undergraduate students who will be commencing a part-time course from September 2012

Fee Loan

New part-time undergraduate students from England can apply for a government loan to help them cover the cost of their tuition fees. You must be studying a minimum of 25% of the full-time equivalent course each year for the duration of the course to be eligible. There is no funding available to help new part-time students with living or course related costs.

Apply

You will be able to apply for a part-time tuition fee loan from Summer 2012.

Repayment

You do not need to start repaying your loan until 4 years after you start your course or the April after you leave your course, whichever is sooner- and only when you are earning over £21,000. Repayments are usually automatically deducted from your salary. Any loan outstanding after 30 years will be written off. Interest on your loan will be charged at the rate of inflation (RPI) plus 3% whilst you are studying at university. Once you leave your course the amount of interest applied to your loan will depend on how much you are earning.

Earnings Interest
£21,000 or less RPI Only
£21,000 - £41,000 sliding scale up to a maximum of RPI +3%
£41,000 or more RPI + 3%

For undergraduate students who commenced a part-time course before September 2012

If you are a continuing part-time undergraduate students you will not be eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan but will still be able to apply for a non-repayable Fee Grant and Course Grant. The amount you will be eligible to receive will depend upon the intensity of your course, household income and personal circumstances.

Course Grant

The maximum Course Grant available for 2011/12 is £265 and is paid in one sum to you.

2011/12 maximum rates
Household Income
Course Grant
Up to £26,029 £265
Between £26,030 and £28,065 £50-£265
over £28,065 No Grant
Fee Grant

The maximum Fee Grant available for 2011/112 is £1,230. This grant is paid directly to the University.

2011/12 maximum rates
Intensity of study
Fee Grant
Equivalent to 50% - 59% £820
Equivalent to 60% - 74% £985
Equivalent to 75% or more £1,230
Apply

A separate application for a Course and Fee Grant must be made in each academic year by completing a PTG1 application form. You will need to take the form to the institution for them to confirm that you are a student, the intensity of your course and the fee payable for your course. More detailed information about the funding available to assist part-time students can be found in the Guide to Funding for part-time students (PDF: 268KB).

Arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are different.