Student loan
Student loans are available to students who require help with
living costs. Unlike support towards tuition fees, you have to
repay any loans. However you will not have to start paying them
back until you have finished or left your course and you begin
earning.
Interest on the amount that you owe will be linked to inflation
- inline with the Retail Prices Index (RPI). This means the value
of the amount you pay back will be broadly the same, in real terms,
as the value of the amount you borrowed.
Contribution towards tuition fees
Full-time students starting courses of higher education have to
pay up to £1,125 a year towards their tuition fees. Most students,
though, are eligible for support to help meet these fees. This is
means tested and it depends on your or your family's income. The
amount of Government support you get towards your tuition fees
depends on the following main factors.
- Whether you study full time or part-time
- The level of your income and that of your parents, husband, or
partner
- Wiich course you study. For example, some courses automatically
qualify for free tuition for certain years
- Whether or not you study at a publicly funded university or
college
- Whether you have previously been on a higher education course
and received Government support to do so
- Whether you meet the residence requirement
How to apply
You need to contact our Student Awards Section as soon as
possible after applying for a university or college place. They
will decide if you are eligible for financial help with fees and
living costs, and how much help you will be entitled to. If you
currently attend a Rochdale Council school or college, information
is available from them.
Getting the money
As long as you have applied in time and your university or
college has confirmed your place, you will be paid your first loan
at the start of the academic year. The Government's contribution to
your tuition will be paid direct to your university or college. The
majority of payments are made by the Student Loans Company, not
Rochdale Council.
Help for dependants while studying
You may get a special grant if your children are financially
dependent on you. Please contact our Student Award Section on for
advice. The university or college you are planning to go to may
also be able to offer you help with the costs of childcare through
their access fund.