Tuition Fees

Universities and colleges set their tuition fee. A non-means tested fee loan is available to cover these costs.

Living Costs

You can apply for a ‘Student Loan for Maintenance’, which helps you with living cots such as food, travel and accommodation. The amount you borrow depends where you live and study, and on your household income. It is paid in three instalments, and you only have to start paying it back once you earn over £21,000 p.a. again.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Most universities offer students direct financial help through scholarships and bursaries. Scholarships are awarded on an academic merit, whereas bursaries are given out on a means-tested basis, such as your household income. You don’t have to pay any of the money you get from scholarships or bursaries back.

How to save money

• Set yourself a realistic budget each week, and try and stick to it.
• Try and increase your income by getting a job, such as in a pub or in a shop.
• Apply for a NUS card, this will get you discounts or special offers in many high street chains.
• Open a student bank account.
• Think carefully before you get any other loans apart from the above, or a credit card.
• Shop for the cheapest everyday items you can, they’re the products you’ll buy most of.
• Forget about branded items, it’s always better to go with the store’s own-brand products.
• If you use the train, get a railcard to save you plenty of money on fees.
• Take advantage of student promotions.
• Share costs with others where possible.

*Information applicable to students domiciled in England and Wales. Figures quoted are indicative and correct at the time this publication was produced.