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UK Govt. Financial Support Options

Introduction

Studying in the UK is expensive. And with the high cost of living, parents and guardians are finding it increasingly difficult to fund their children’s or dependents’ higher education. This handicap could result in a declining enrollment to higher studies due to inadequate finances.

But the UK Government appreciates the economic and social values of a well-educated society. Towards this regards, it offers several higher education-based funding to benefit students who undertaking graduate and postgraduate studies.

Where Can You Get Financing?

This study-support provides all students seeking to further their education. Specifically, it’s available to qualified students who want to commence their university education. Further, continuing students are also supported until they complete their respective courses.

Deadline: If you are a student living in Northern Ireland, England, Wales or Scotland and is in need of this service, you can apply for the facility. For fresh applicants, you need to submit your application before 25th May of each year.

And if you are a continuing student, you should enrol before 22nd June. However, note that the deadline for application may vary from time to time. Bear in mind that there are different websites for the four locations mentioned earlier.

So you need to visit the relevant websites applicable to your study jurisdiction for further guidelines on the application procedures, application deadlines, and any other relevant information.

What is the Application Procedure?

The application process is easy. You simply need to log into your relevant websites and fill in the online form provided. We elaborate on the different application processes.

Wales: Students applying to study in Welsh universities can log into www.studentfinancewales.co.uk. Once on the site, they will get separate application forms for full-time undergraduate courses, part-time undergraduate courses as well as full time and part time postgraduate application portal.

Depending on your course, you need to fill in the relevant form.

The site also provides you with additional information about what you need to include with your application. Further, it offers a short video detailing the facilities available. You need to view it since it provides important guides that answer all your queries.

Also important to you is whether the assistance is in the form of grant or loans. You may blend the two for your financing. But remember that loans have certain conditions. So it’s prudent that you learn more on the repayment guidelines.

Scotland: When your aspiration is to study in Scotland, you can log into www.saas.gov.uk/how_to_apply/ to get your education funding details. The details are similar to those for a student in Wales.

However, there are options such as the student’s parent details, or a spouse or partners details. Further, special categories of students also need to update their specific status.

For example, you can fill in additional spaces if you are a student with a disability or whether you are a student who is interested in a nursing or midwifery course. Additionally, if you come from other EU countries, you need to fill another different form.

Northern Ireland: The same process is detailed for students who want to further their education in Northern Ireland. They should get further details as well as the application process by logging into www.studentfinanceni.co.uk

What Does the Finding Cover?

Perhaps you need to know what the funds cover. The following students’ expenses are covered by the scheme.

  • Tuition fees: The tuition fees charged by the respective university for the particular course you are undertaking. These courses include HND, HNC, PG Diplomas, Degree and Post-graduate studies.
  • Maintenance loans: This refers to additional expenses such as living expenses that you will incur during your study duration. They include rent, transport, food, books, medical, etc.
  • Disability allowance: This funding is provided for students with special needs. The allowance makes their studying more bearable and convenience under their disability conditions.
  • Dependencies allowances: In some cases, students may be a parent or have partners who depend on them. In such a case, they are eligible for dependents funding.

Important Information You Need to Know Before Applying

Applying: Filing in your application is the first step of the several subsequent correspondences. Once you have submitted your application, the relevant student loans approval body will contact you after working out your specific loan, allowance and grant eligibility.

Annual application: You understand that your application is treated on a case by case basis. Further, you need to make an application for each year during your course. The subsequent application is applicable when you pass your exams and attend classes as required.

Funding criteria: Each application is considered based on the types and ceiling of funding available. Other factors that determine your eligibility are the course you intend to take, your academic year, as well as your nationality and residency.

Financial support type: Another important factor a student must consider is that each course attracts different financial assistance. So you may get full support or partial support. Under special circumstances, you can also be eligible for a grant an allowance. When you have a grant, you are not required to refund it.

Loan conditions: But in case you have loan components, then you need to carefully study the terms and conditions so that you are well informed of what you are getting yourself into. In case any matter is unclear, there are several ways you can contact the UK Funding Assistance office near you for further clarifications.

How to Repay?

Grants: You are not required to refund the allowances and grant you have been awarded.  However, in the case you are overpaid, then you may be required to refund to excess sums. Similarly, you may be required to refund the grant in the event you terminate your studies early.

Loans: You are expected to refund all loans advanced in full. This repayment module is provided when your eligibility has been determined. The details would be issued in the Notification of the Loan entitlement letter.

The letter will include the loan amount together with the repayment duration. Further, the letter provides you with a schedule of repayment, your first repayment instalment date, together with the interest rate applicable.

Rhodes Scholarships for International Students at the University of Oxford in UK, 2019

The Rhodes Scholarship program is the oldest and most prestigious postgraduate award where you can study a wide range of courses at Oxford. The program is open to international students who are pursuing full-time postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, UK. The program will cover full tuition, a maintenance stipend, and flights to and from Oxford.

Award: Varies
Application Deadline: Deadline varies per country but is around July-October of the preceding year you wish to study.
Apply Now

UK Government Chevening Scholarships, 2020-2021

As International award of the UK Government, Chevening scholarships are open for the international applicants to study master degree programmes. The program is an amazing opportunity for future leaders and influencers from all over the world.

Award: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Applications will reopen in August 2019.
Apply Now

British Council IELTS Scholarship System to Study Abroad at Universities and Graduate Schools, 2019

The British Council is invoking applications for the British Council IELTS Scholarship System to Study Abroad. The program is open to scholars from Japan who wants to study abroad at a university or graduate school.

Award: 300,000 yen
Application Deadline: June 20, 2019
Apply Now

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for International Students in Sri Lanka, 2019

The Commonwealth of Nations is offering a fully-funded golden opportunity for the international students. The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships are available for the candidates of Commonwealth countries who want to pursue a master’s degree program in Sri Lanka.

Award: Fully-Funded
Application Deadline: June 26, 2019
Apply Now

Commonwealth Medical Fellowships for International Students, UK

The UK Department for International Development (DFID) is granting Commonwealth Medical Fellowships. The programs are open for the mid-career medical staff from low and middle-income countries.

Award: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies
Apply Now

Conclusion

As a student in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, you need to understand the UK Government takes your studies seriously. For this reason, it finances your studies in many ways.

You should take advantage of the educational funding facilities the UK Government avails. Before you apply, read and understand the conditions set forth in the application form specific to the geographical jurisdiction you are applying from. Be careful and provide a complete, accurate and honest application. Your application will be considered.

Once you have the facility, work hard to pass your exams. Employers are always scouting for fresh and great talents. The beauty of getting employed after studies is that you will make loan repayment easily without stressing your already overwhelmed parent or guardian. Remember, all these processes are to help you bud a better future for yourself.

Amit Kumar

FreeEducator.com blog is managed by Amit Kumar. He and his team come from the Oxford, Stanford and Harvard. At FreeEducator, we strive to create the best admission platform so that international students can go to the best universities - regardless of financial circumstances. By applying with us, international students get unlimited support and unbiased advice to secure the best college offers overseas.

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