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What support is available for students in Academic Year 08/09?
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This page applies to Academic Year 08/09. You can also find information regarding support available in Academic Year 09/10.
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Student Loans
Loans are available to students to help with living costs, e.g. accommodation, food, clothes, travel etc. Interest is charged at the rate of inflation, so the amount the student eventually repays will be equal in value to the amount borrowed. The interest rate is currently 3.8%.
Help with tuition fees
Universities and colleges of higher education in Northern Ireland and England can charge up to £3,145 a year for courses for new students (different fee arrangements apply to universities in Scotland and Wales).
The amount charged may vary between courses, as well as between places of study. Eligible students can apply for the new Student Loan for Fees to cover these costs. The loan is repaid only once they have completed their course and are earning above the repayment threshold of £15,000.
Other sources of student finance
The following sources of finance have been introduced to students who live in Northern Ireland from September 2006 onwards.
- A non-repayable Maintenance Grant of up to £3,335 for new full-time students from lower income households. This grant will be based on the household income and does not have to be repaid.
- A new non-repayable Special Support Grant of up to £3,335 for new full-time students who are eligible to receive Income Support and other means tested benefits such as Housing Benefit. This grant will be based on the household income and does not have to be repaid. Students who are eligible for the Special Support Grant will not be eligible for the Maintenance Grant.
- Bursaries from Universities: Universities and colleges wishing to charge the full £3,145 tuition fee will be required to provide bursaries of at least £310 for students who are eligible for the full Maintenance Grant – many are offering considerably more than £310.
- Students with children: Any full-time student who has care of a child or children on the first day of the academic year for which they are applying for support will be treated as an independent student for the purposes of the household income assessment.
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