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FOR FULL-TIME UNDERGRADUATE UK & EU STUDENTS
CONTENTS
Introduction 3
How to apply for Student Support 4
Students from Scotland 6
Tuition Fees 6
Student Loans 6
Young Students’ Bursary 8
Independent Students’ Bursary 9
Supplementary Grants 10
Travelling Expenses 10
Previous study/repeat years 11
Students from England, Wales and N Ireland 12
Tuition Fees and Tuition Fee Loans 12
Maintenance Loans 12
Maintenance Awards 14
Supplementary Grants 16
Allied Health Profession (AHP) Courses 17
BSc Hons Nutrition and Dietetics
BSc Hons Diagnostic Radiography
BSc Hons Occupational Therapy
BSc Hons Physiotherapy
Nursing Courses 18
EU Students 20
How to pay tuition fees 21
Accommodation 22
Students with disabilities 26
Childcare Support 26
Tax Credits 27
Discretionary Fund 27
Emergency Loan Fund 28
Temporary Loans 28
Scholarships 28
Alternative sources of funding 29
What you need to do before enrolment 30
Contacts 33
INTRODUCTION
This leaflet is an important and valuable guide
to help you deal with the financial aspects of
studying at Robert Gordon University in session
2010-2011.
Outlined in this guide is general information on
how to apply for financial support towards the
costs of studying at Robert Gordon University.
Further details can be obtained from -
Scottish and EU students www.saas.gov.uk
Students from England www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
Students from Wales www.studentfinancewales.co.uk
Student from N Ireland www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
It is important that you apply for all your
support at the earliest possible date,
either with a conditional or unconditional
offer. If you apply late, you may not get
the financial support you are entitled to in
time for the start of the session.
Students from Scotland and EU students
can apply from April onwards and students
from England, Wales and N Ireland
can apply from January onwards at the
appropriate website.
2 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 3
HOW TO APPLY FOR
STUDENT SUPPORT
Scottish students should apply to the Student Award Agency for Scotland You should note that if you receive a late offer,
(SAAS) for fees, bursary, student loan and supplementary grants on-line SAAS/Student Finance cannot guarantee that
at www.saas.gov.uk from mid April onwards. notification of any contribution due towards tuition
fees and/or living costs will be available at the start
EU students should apply on-line to the Student Award Agency for Scotland of the session.
(SAAS) for the payment of tuition fees at www.saas.gov.uk from mid April
onwards. IMPORTANT: AN APPLICATION FOR
SUPPORT IS VALID FOR ONE ACADEMIC
Application to SAAS can be made with a conditional or unconditional offer SESSION ONLY. CONTINUING STUDENTS
of a place. Do not wait for exam results. If your course or institution details MUST MAKE A SEPARATE, FORMAL
change you can easily change or cancel your application by contacting APPLICATION EACH YEAR OF THEIR
SAAS. COURSE, WITHIN THE APPROPRIATE
TIMESCALE.
To ensure funding from SAAS is in place at the start of your course,
you should apply by 30 June 2010. The closing date for SAAS In order to qualify for support for tuition fees
receiving applications is 31 March 2011. Students applying after that and living costs you have to be eligible as well
date will not receive any financial support including the payment of as having been offered a place on an acceptable
tuition fees. course. The final decision on whether or not you
are eligible rests with SAAS/Student Finance.
Students from England, N Ireland and Wales can apply on–line at To meet the residency requirements, i.e. be a
“home” student, you must have been ordinarily
Student Finance England www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance resident in the British Islands for the 3 years
Student Finance N Ireland www.studentfinanceni.co.uk immediately proceeding the academic year in
Student Finance Wales www.studentfinancewales.co.uk which the course begins, but not for the purposes
of education.
4 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 5
STUDENTS FROM SCOTLAND FULL YEAR
min. loan max. loan
FINAL YEAR
min. loan max. loan
staying at home £605 £4.107 £480 £3,642
TUITION FEES
staying away from home £915 £5,067 £785 £4,457
SAAS will pay tuition fees for most Scottish domiciled and EU students studying an
If you are eligible for the Young or Independent Students’ Bursary, this will replace part of your
undergraduate course in Scotland. Students who are not eligible to have fees paid by SAAS
loan support.
e.g. those who are studying for a second degree, will be liable to pay the standard tuition fee
of £1,285 to the University and can apply to SAAS to pay the £535 difference between the
Students who have applied for a student loan but have not taken out their full entitlement will
standard fee and the higher fee of £1,820.
be able to make one “top up” application during the academic year. Students should contact
the Student Loans Company directly regarding this.
YOU MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO SAAS FOR PAYMENT OF TUITION FEES
EACH YEAR OF YOUR COURSE OR YOU WILL BE LIABLE FOR THE FULL AMOUNT.
Additional Loan
STUDENT LOANS
There is an additional loan of up to £785 available to all students who have a
household income of less than £22,789. You do not get the additional loan if you are
Students will be assisted with their living costs by way of a student loan. How much you can
on a paid placement or are not eligible for tuition fee payment.
borrow will depend on your level of income and, if this applies, your parents’, husband’s,
wife’s, civil partner’s, partner’s, parent’s partner’s, step parent’s income. The rates are
How the loan is paid
reviewed annually before the start of the academic year. The maximum loan will be lower
in the final year of your course as the loan does not cover the summer holiday in that year.
Your loan will be paid in monthly instalments on the 7th of each month during term-time with a
Students can apply to SAAS for a student loan at the same time as payment of tuition fees.
first double payment on the first day of the course. If you apply for your loan on time and enrol
in advance of the course start date, you should expect to receive your first instalment directly
Eligibility for a loan
into your bank account on the first day of your course, or within 3 to 4 working days after
you have enrolled if you enrol on or after the start date. If you apply for your loan later in the
To be eligible for a loan, a student must be:-
academic year, your loan will be back-dated from the start date of your course until the time
your application is processed and then paid monthly thereafter.
• a “home” student on a full-time, undergraduate course;
• not be in breach of any obligation to repay any loan;
If you wish to apply for a loan you must do so through SAAS, either on-line at the same time
• under the age of 50 at the commencement of your course OR aged 50 to 54 and be able to
as applying for tuition fees, or if later by completing the appropriate application form (AB1)
show that you intend to return to employment after completing the course;
available from SAAS or the University. SAAS will forward to the Student Loans Company all the
• have a valid National Insurance Number.
information it needs to set up a loan account in your name and make payment of the loan.
If you are under 16 when you start your course, SAAS cannot assess your entitlement to a student
If you have received a Payment Schedule letter from the Student Loans Company and the first
loan. However, you can apply for your loan at the same time as other support you are entitled
instalment of your loan is not paid into your bank account on the date specified on the letter,
to (fees and bursary). When you turn 16, your loan entitlement will be assessed and information
you should contact Student Finance on 01224 262127/6.
sent to the SLC. The SLC will set up your loan account and send you a payment schedule letter
to tell you how and when they will pay your loan.
How your entitlement will be notified
Loan Rates
As soon as your application has been processed, SAAS will send you an Award Notice giving
details of the support you are to receive for the academic year. This letter will state that you
The table opposite shows the amounts for a course that lasts for 30 weeks. Extra payments will
should take it to the University - we do not require this unless we specifically ask to see it. At
be paid for each week you have to study over 30 weeks and 3 days. The extra payments are
the same time as sending you this, they will notify the SLC of your loan entitlement who will
income-assessed and are £54 if you stay at home and £83 if you stay away from home.
set up your loan account and send you a Payment Schedule Letter giving details of instalment
amounts and payment dates.
6 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 7
Repaying the loan income is £19,310 a year or less. The bursary is paid instead of part of the student loan
therefore reducing the amount of loan you need to take out. Application should be made to
The amount to be paid back will depend on the amount borrowed plus the interest charged. SAAS when applying for payment of tuition fees and/or student loan.
Interest on the amount you owe will be linked to inflation and is adjusted each year in line with
the Retail Prices Index (RPI) - so the value of the amount you pay back will be about the same If your household income is over £34,195 a year, you will not qualify for a Young Students’
in real terms as the value of the amount you borrowed. This will apply as long as the loan lasts Bursary and your living cost support will be entirely through a student loan. The amount of
and will include any time when you are not studying or not repaying the loan, as well as when loan available will go down as household income goes up. The higher the household income,
you are repaying the loan. Rates of interest can be found at the Student Loans Company the more of a contribution the parents need to make to support their children.
website – www.slc.co.uk.
The table opposite gives examples of entitlement at various income levels.
Repayment will not begin until the April after you complete or otherwise leave your course.
Repayments will only be sought once your income is more than £15,000 a year. Payments will ASSESSED ASSESSED
be made through the Inland Revenue and will begin automatically once your income reaches INCOME INCOME
BURSARY BURSARY
the appropriate level. The amount you owe will be linked to inflation. The value of the amount
£19,310 £2,640 £28,000 £1,099
you pay back will be broadly the same value as the amount you borrowed.
£20,000 £2,518 £30,000 £744
The amount you have to repay each year will be 9% of your annual income over £15,000, i.e. £22,000 £2,163 £32,000 £389
the first £15,000 of income will be disregarded and you will repay 9% of your income above £24,000 £1,808 £34,195 £50
that level. The level of repayments will rise directly in line with your income. Repayment will £26,000 £1,453 £35,000 -
not be over a fixed period. The length of time over which you will repay will depend on your
income and on the total amount you have borrowed. Repayment will normally continue until The table below will give an idea of the support package you might get if the amount of Young
you have paid off the full amount. Whether or not you repay the whole amount you have Students’ Bursary you receive depends on your parents’ income.
borrowed will depend on your income. For example, if your income remained below £15,000
a year gross throughout your working lifetime you would not have to make any repayments. INCOME PARENTAL ADDITIONAL
Your loan will be cancelled when you reach the age of 65. You can make extra voluntary YSB LOAN TOTAL
(AFTER DEDUCTIONS) CONTRIBUTION LOAN
payments direct to SLC to repay your loan quicker. £18,000 £2,640 £2,427 - £785 £5,852
£20,000 £2,518 £2,549 - £488 £5,555
The table below shows the repayments which you would make at different income levels.
£23,000 £1,986 £3,081 - - £5,067
£26,000 £1,453 £3,377 £237 - £5,067
INCOME EACH MARGINAL INCOME REPAYMENTS (9%) £32,000 £389 £3,775 £903 - £5,067
YEAR OVER £15,000 £38,000 - £3,497 £1,570 - £5,067
Yearly Monthly Weekly
£44,000 - £2,830 £2,237 - £5,067
UP TO £15,000 NIL NIL NIL NIL
£50,000 - £2,164 £2,903 - £5,067
£17,000 £2,000 £180 £15 £3
£60.000 - £915 £4,400 - £5,067
£20,000 £5,000 £450 £37 £9
£25,000 £10,000 £900 £75 £17 Further details are available on the SAAS website www.saas.gov.uk.
£30,000 £15,000 £1,350 £112 £26
£35,000 £20,000 £1,800 £150 £35 INDEPENDENT STUDENTS’ BURSARY (ISB)
If you are an ‘independent’ student you may be eligible for the Independent Student Bursary.
YOUNG STUDENTS’ BURSARY (YSB) This bursary is available to all new and continuing students for the first time in 2010-11.
Students must be eligible for the full standard rate of tuition fees from SAAS to be eligible for
Students under 25 and who are not married, not in a civil partnership agreement or not living the bursary.
with a partner or not self-supporting may be eligible for a Young Students’ Bursary if they are
from a household on low income. A maximum bursary of £2,640 will be made if the household
8 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 9
There are a number of conditions you must meet to be classed as independent. In general, if economical fares available for the type of transport you use. If the cheapest fares are offered
you are over 25, are married, in a civil partnership or living with a partner or your parents are under Student Railcard or Bus Pass Schemes, claims will be reimbursed at the cheapest rate plus
no longer alive, you meet the criteria. Full details are available on the SAAS website – the cost of the Railcard or Bus Pass. SAAS will disregard the first £159 (£82 for AHP courses) of
www.saas.gov.uk. any claim. Further information can be obtained from the SAAS website - www.saas.gov.uk.
The amount of bursary available will depend on the level of your household income. How to claim travel expenses
If your household income is low, the bursary will be given instead of part of the student loan
so it reduces the amount of loan you can take out. The bursary does not have to be paid back. You can apply on-line from January at the SAAS website – www.saas.gov.uk. SAAS aim to pay
The highest amount available is £1,000 if your household income is £19,310 or less a year or if approved expenses directly into your bank account within 21 days of receiving your application.
you are single. The bursary will go down to zero for a household income of £34,195 a year.
PREVIOUS STUDY/REPEAT YEARS
The table below shows how much bursary you will get based on your household’s income.
Repeat Year
INCOME BURSARY INCOME BURSARY INCOME BURSARY If a student has to repeat a year of their course, SAAS will only consider paying the tuition fee
for the repeat year if the reason for repeating is for medical or strong compassionate reasons.
£19,310 £1,000 £25,000 £618 £31,000 £215
The student would have to pay fees for the repeat year and would only be eligible for a student
£20,000 £954 £26,000 £551 £32,000 £147 loan and any supplementary grants they were previously eligible for but would NOT be eligible
£21,000 £886 £27,000 £483 £33,000 £80 for any Young Student Bursary or Additional Loan.
£22,000 £819 £28,000 £416 £34,000 £50
£23,000 £752 £29,000 £349 £35,000 £0 Students with an HND gaining entry to a Degree course
£24,000 £685 £30,000 £282
Students who have obtained an HND and who are given direct entry into year 2 or 3 of a
SUPPLEMENTARY GRANTS degree course will receive the full support they are eligible for from SAAS for the duration of
the degree course.
You may be eligible for the following additional grants:-
Students who enter into year 1 of a degree course after having studied an HND will not receive
Dependants’ Grant (for husband or wife) the payment of tuition fees for the first year of the degree course nor, if otherwise eligible,
Disabled Students’ Allowance the Young Students Bursary, Independent Student Bursary and Additional Loan. They will
Lone Parents’ Grant only receive the student loan and any supplementary grants they are eligible for e.g travel
Additional Childcare Grant for Lone Parents’ expenses, lone parent grants, etc.
Vacation Grant for Care Leavers
Change of course
The extra support available will depend on your personal circumstances. You do not have to
repay these grants unless you lose entitlement to them. If a student decides to change course during the 1st year of their course, SAAS will support the
student for the duration of the new course. This is called a false start and is only available once.
Application for supplementary grants should be made to SAAS. Further information is
available at the SAAS website – www.saas.gov.uk If a student decides to change course after year 1, SAAS will not pay tuition fees for the
amount of years they paid fees for the first course nor will the student be eligible for the Young
TRAVELLING EXPENSES Student Bursary, Independent Student Bursary or Additional Loan which they may previously
have been eligible for. For example, if a student did 2 years of a course then changed course
Students may claim from SAAS for travelling expenses which they have necessarily incurred and began again at year 1, the student would have to pay fees for years 1 and 2 of the new
in connection with their course. If you are living away from home, you may claim for 3 return course and SAAS would pay the final years. They would be eligible for a student loan and any
journeys home each session in addition to term-time travel to and from University. There is a supplementary grants for the duration of the new course but not eligible for any Young Student
maximum amount payable and the amount payable will depend on household income. You Bursary, Independent Student Bursary or Additional Loan they may previously have been
may not get help if your household income is above £59,000. SAAS will only allow the most eligible for years 1 and 2 of the new course.
10 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 11
STUDENTS FROM ENGLAND, How the loan is paid
WALES AND N IRELAND Your loan will be paid in 3 equal instalments. If you apply for your loan on time and enrol in
advance of the course start date, you should expect to receive your first instalment directly into
Full details on all student support available for students from England, Wales and N Ireland is your bank account on the first day of your course, or within 3 to 4 working days after you have
available from your education authority or at the following websites - enrolled if you enrol on or after the start date. Second and third instalments will be January and
April respectively and will also be paid directly into your bank account. If you apply for your
England www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance loan later in the academic year, your loan will be paid in either one, two or three instalments,
Wales www.studentfinancewales.co.uk depending on when you apply.
N Ireland www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
If you wish to apply for a loan you should apply to your education authority at the appropriate
TUITION FEES & TUITION FEE LOANS website who will forward to the Student Loans Company all the information it needs to set up a
loan account in your name and make payment of the loan.
Tuition fees for session 2010-2011 will be £1,820. Full-time undergraduate students will not
have to pay fees before they start University or whilst they are studying. Instead, students If you have received a Payment Schedule letter from the Student Loans Company and your
will be able to apply for a Student Loan for Fees to cover these costs. The Student Loans loan is not in your bank on the date specified on the letter, you should contact Student Finance
Company will pay fees directly to the University on their behalf. Students will repay these on 01224 262127/6.
loans once they have left University and are earning over £15,000. Students wishing to take
out a Student Loan for Fees should apply on-line at the appropriate Student Finance website. How your entitlement will be notified
MAINTENANCE LOANS As soon as your application has been processed your education authority will send you an award
letter giving details of any contributions you must make towards tuition fees, your maximum loan
Maintenance Loans are available to help with accommodation and other living costs. entitlement, details of any bursary/supplementary grant payments to be made and the level of
any assessed parental/spouse contribution for the academic year. At the same time, they will
To be eligible for a Maintenance Loan, a student must be:- notify the SLC of your loan entitlement who will set up your loan account and send you a loan
payment schedule detailing instalment amounts and payment dates.
• a “home” student on a full-time, undergraduate course
• under the age of 60 when you start your course. Repaying the loan
Students wishing to take out a student loan to cover living costs should apply on-line at the The amount to be paid back will depend on the amount borrowed plus the interest charged.
appropriate Student Finance website. Interest on the amount you owe will be linked to inflation and is adjusted each year in line
with the Retail Prices Index (RPI) - so the value of the amount you pay back will be about the
The table below shows the loan rates available for session 2010-2011. The amounts are same in real terms as the value of the amount you borrowed. This will apply as long as the loan
lower in the final year of the course as the loan does not cover the summer holiday in that lasts and will include any time when you are not studying or not repaying the loan, as well as
year. when you are repaying the loan. Rates of interest can be found at the Student Loans Company
website – www.slc.co.uk.
MAXIMUM LOAN
Students from England £4,950 Repayment will not begin until the April after you complete or otherwise leave your course.
Students from Wales £4,745 Repayments will only be sought once your income is more than £15,000 a year. Payments will
Students form N Ireland £4,840 be made through the Inland Revenue and will begin automatically once your income reaches
the appropriate level. The amount you owe will be linked to inflation. The value of the amount
You will be able to make one “top up” application during the academic year if you did not you pay back will be broadly the same value as the amount you borrowed.
take out the full entitlement initially.
12 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 13
The amount you have to repay each year will be 9% of your annual income over £15,000, i.e. Further details available at www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance.
the first £15,000 of income will be disregarded and you will repay 9% of your income above
that level. The level of repayments will rise directly in line with your income. Repayment will Students from Wales
not be over a fixed period. The length of time over which you will repay will depend on your
income and on the total amount you have borrowed. Repayment will normally continue until Assembly Learning Grant (ALG)
you have paid off the full amount. Whether or not you repay the whole amount you have
borrowed will depend on your income. For example, if your income remained below £15,000 Students can apply for a Assembly Learning Grant. The maximum amount available is £5,000
a year gross throughout your working lifetime you would not have to make any repayments. per year and how much you get will depend on your household income. The grant is paid in 3
Your loan will be cancelled when you reach the age of 65. instalments and does not have to be paid back. This grant is paid in substitution for an element
of the Student Loan for maintenance. This means that your eligibility for a Student Loan will be
The table below shows the repayments which you would make at different income levels. reduced by up to the amount of grant you receive.
The table below is a guide as to how much you could get towards accommodation and living
MARGINAL
INCOME EACH REPAYMENTS (9%) costs through the Assembly Learning Grant and Maintenance Loan.
INCOME
YEAR
OVER £15,000 Yearly Monthly Weekly HOUSEHOLD ASSEMBLY MAINTENANCE
Up to £15,000 NIL NIL NIL NIL TOTAL
INCOME LEARNING GRANT LOAN
£17,000 £2,000 £180 £15 £3 £18,370 £5,000 £1,901 £6,901
£20,000 £5,000 £450 £37 £9 £25,000 £3,242 £2.800 £6,042
£25,000 £10,000 £900 £75 £17 £30,000 £2,033 £3,526 £5,559
£30,000 £15,000 £1,350 £112 £26 £34,000 £1,106 £4,082 £5,188
£35,000 £20,000 £1,800 £150 £35 £40,000 £711 £4,319 £5,030
£45,000 £381 £4,517 £4,898
MAINTENANCE AWARDS £50,020 £50 £4,715 £4,765
Students from England Further details available at www.studentfinancewales.co.uk.
Maintenance Grant Students from N Ireland
Students can apply for a Maintenance Grant. The maximum amount available is £2,906 per Maintenance Grant
year and how much you get will depend on your household income. The grant is paid in 3
instalments and does not have to be paid back. This grant is paid instead of part of the Student Students can apply for a Maintenance Grant. The maximum amount available is £3,475 per
Loan therefore reducing the amount of student loan available. year and how much you get will depend on your household income. The grant is paid in 3
instalments and does not have to be paid back. This grant is paid in substitution for an element
The table below is a guide as to how much you could get towards accommodation and living of the Student Loan for maintenance. This means your eligibility for a Student Loan will be
costs through the Maintenance Grant and Maintenance Loan. reduced by up to the amount of grant you receive.
HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE
TOTAL
INCOME GRANT LOAN
£25,000 £2,906 £3,497 £6,403
£30,000 £1,906 £3,997 £5,903
£34,000 £1,106 £4,397 £5,503
£40,000 £711 £4,595 £5,306
£50,000 £50 £4,925 £4,975
£60,000 no grant £3,564 £3,564
14 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 15
The table below is a guide as to how much you could get towards accommodation and living
costs through the Maintenance Grant and Maintenance Loan. ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSION
HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE
(AHP) COURSES
TOTAL
INCOME GRANT LOAN
There are special arrangements in place for support for students who are undertaking a degree
£19,203 £3,475 £2,953 £6,428 course in Allied Health Professions. At Robert Gordon University the following courses come
£25,000 £2,201 £3,289 £5,490 under this category:-
£35,000 £689 £4,151 £4,840
£41,065 £50 £4,790 £4,840 BSc Hons Nutrition and Dietetics
£53,035 no grant £3,630 £3,630 BSc Hons Diagnostic Radiography
BSc Hons Occupational Therapy
Further details available at www.studentfinanceni.co.uk. BSc Hons Physiotherapy
SUPPLEMENTARY GRANTS For payment of tuition fees and an income-assessed Scottish Executive Health Department
bursary, students from Scotland, England, Wales and N Ireland should apply online to SAAS at
You may be eligible for the following additional grants:- www.saas.gov.uk.
Disabled Students’ Allowance For a student loan, students from Scotland should apply to SAAS and students from England,
Dependants’ Grant Wales and N Ireland should apply to Student Finance -
Parents Learning Allowance
Childcare Grant Student Finance England www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
Lone Parent Grant Student Finance N Ireland www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
Vacation Grant for Care Leavers Student Finance Wales www.studentfinancewales.co.uk
Travel Grants
EU students are eligible for the payment of tuition fees only i.e. they are not eligible for any
The extra support available will depend on your personal circumstances. You do not have to student loan or bursary.
repay these grants unless you loose entitlement to them.
The table below shows the maximum bursary and student loan rates.
Further details available at the appropriate Student Finance website.
NON
INCOME- MAXIMUM
INCOME-
ASSESSED TOTAL
ASSESSED
BURSARY SUPPORT
LOAN
Students living at home £1,865 £1,740 £3,605
Students living away from home £2,455 £2,265 £4,720
The table on the following page gives an idea of the support you might get, depending on your
circumstances. The example is given for students living away from home on a course lasting 30
weeks and not in the final year. Rates will differ for students in their final year.
16 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 17
Single Parents’ Allowance
ASSESSED MAXIMUM
INCOME AFTER HEALTHCARE MAX.
PARENTAL TOTAL You may be entitled to an extra allowance of £1,303 if you are single, widowed, divorced,
DEDUCTIONS BURSARY LOAN
CONTRIBUTION SUPPORT separated or no longer live with a partner and bringing up children on your own.
£15,000 - £2,455 £2,265 £4,720
£20,000 - £2,455 £2,265 £4,720 Childcare Allowance for Parents
£25,000 £126 £2,329 £2,265 £4,720
£30,000 £681 £1,774 £2,265 £4,720 The childcare allowance is payable to any student who is a parent and wants to claim formal
£35,000 £1,237 £1,218 £2,265 £4,720 childcare costs. If you have to pay all or part of the cost for registered or formal childcare, you
can receive up to £1,216 a year, depending on the cost of childcare. ‘Formal’ childcare includes
£40,000 £1,792 £663 £2,265 £4,720
childminders, after-school clubs and providers of day-care and education.
Details on the assessed contribution for students whose husband, wife, civil partner or Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
partner’s income is taken into consideration is available on the SAAS website – www.saas.
gov.uk. If you have a disability, you may be eligible to claim for certain extra expenses you have to pay
because you are on the course. Further details can be obtained from our Disability & Dyslexia
Practical Placement Expenses Service or from SAAS.
If you have to go on a practical placement away from University and you have extra travel Expenses for clinical placement
or accommodation costs, you may receive assistance with these from SAAS. Placement
expenses are income-assessed and the amount SAAS will pay depends on your, your parents’ Clinical placement is the part of the course that consists of supervised practice in clinical
or husband’s, wife’s, civil partner’s or partner’s income. The maximum amount students can areas. You can claim expenses for some extra travel and reasonable accommodation costs.
claim for accommodation is up to £10.08 each day for placements during term-time and £8.57 You cannot claim for normal daily travel to and from your institution or for your normal day to
each day for placements during the summer. You should complete form AB24 which you day living expenses. To apply for your placement expenses, you can either download the form
can download from the SAAS website. This form should not be used for normal daily travel NMSB2 from the SAAS website or pick one up from the School of Nursing & Midwifery. The
expenses to and from University during term-time. These should be made in the normal way – School must approve your expenses before you send it to SAAS.
refer to the Travelling Expenses section of this leaflet.
Travel
NURSING COURSES SAAS will pay travel costs on the basis of the cheapest fare. You should take advantage of
season tickets, zone cards, and student railcards wherever possible. If you claim more than the
Assistance available to students undertaking the Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing cheapest fare available, your claim will be restricted to the cheapest fare.
or Midwifery and the B.Nursing is a non income-assessed bursary only - students on these
courses are not eligible for student loans, a Young Students’ Bursary or an Independent Subsistence
Students’ Bursary. The rate for students commencing in session 2009/10 was £6,578. The
bursary is paid monthly directly into the students bank account. Students should ensure SAAS If you must live away from your term time address because of your placement you may reclaim
have their bank details. extra board or lodgings charges. You must pay the cost of all meals, food, and so on that are
not included in the accommodation costs from your Bursary. This includes any extra costs
Dependants’ Allowance while staying with relatives. You must send SAAS receipts along with your claim.
You can apply for an allowance for your husband, wife, civil partner or partner and for any child For further details on all support available, visit the SAAS website - www.saas.gov.uk.
you are legally responsible for.
18 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 19
19
EU STUDENTS HOW TO PAY TUITION FEES
TUITION FEES Options available
EU students studying in Scotland will not normally have to pay tuition fees. Students should If you have to pay some or all of your tuition fees yourself, there are two ways you can
apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for these fees to be paid. organise payment:-
Application should be made on-line at www.saas.gov.uk from mid-April onwards. • Payment in one lump sum - Payment by this method should be made before or during
online enrolment. If your contribution has not been confirmed prior to enrolment, you will
Students who miss the SAAS deadline dates for payment of tuition fees will become liable for not have to make any payment at enrolment. The payment will be due as soon as your
payment of the fee. contribution is confirmed.
• Payment by instalments - If you have to pay a contribution of more than £600 towards
An application MUST be submitted to SAAS each year.
your tuition fees, you can opt to pay by instalments.
EU students are NOT eligible for any student loans, bursaries or maintenance awards from
i) Payment in two instalments 50% at or before enrolment
SAAS.
50% by direct debit on 1 February 2011
Students from Ireland should contact their local education authority to enquire whether there
ii) Payment in four instalments 40% at or before enrolment
are any maintenance grants available to them.
20% by direct debit on 1 December 2010
20% by direct debit on 12 January 2011
Students from other EU countries should contact their own education authority/government to
20% by direct debit on 1 February 2011
enquire about any possible financial assistance.
Your first payment will be due at enrolment and you must pay online by credit/debit card. The
remaining instalments can be paid by one of the following options:-
• Cash – at the Student Info Zone in the St Andrew Street building or at Garthdee.
• Cheque – sent to Student Finance, clearly stating the student name and matriculation
number on the reverse of the cheque.
• Credit/Debit Card – either as part of the online enrolment process or by telephone –
01224 262664.
• Direct Transfer to the University bank account. You must quote the name of the student
and the student matriculation number as a reference or we will not be able to identify
your payment.
Account Name: The Robert Gordon University
Bank: Bank of Scotland
39 Albyn Place
ABERDEEN AB10 1YN
Sort Code: 80-05-14
Account No: 06003836
If paying by instalments, you must ensure that you have funds in place to pay the instalment
amount on the due date.
20 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 21
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation Costs
LOCATION LEASE LENGTH WEEKLY PRICE TOTAL PRICE All flats are self-contained and
Woolmanhill self-catering with capacity for 3 –
37 weeks £84.50 £3,126.50
Standard room 8 students. Each student has their
own study bedroom while kitchen
Woolmanhill and living areas are shared. Some
37 weeks £98.50 £3,644.50
Ensuite room
of the accommodation is en suite
Garthdee whilst the remainder has shared
37 weeks £89.50 £3,311.50
Ensuite Shower washing and toilet facilities.
Linksfield,
Rosemount &
40 weeks £93.00 £3,720.00
St Peters
Standard room
Linksfield,
Rosemount &
40 weeks £102.50 £4,100.00
St Peters
Ensuite room
Don Street
40 weeks £88.50 £3,540.00
Standard room
Don Street
40 weeks £96.00 £3,840.00
Ensuite-Premium room
Ardmuir Properties 50 weeks £96.00 £4,800.00
22 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 23
Unihomes Accommodation Payment Options
LOCATION LEASE LENGTH WEEKLY PRICE TOTAL PRICE The following payment options are available
Craigievar • in full on acceptance of the offer of
Development 50 weeks £175.00 £8,750.00 accommodation
Single room
• 8 monthly instalments – October to May
Craigievar • 3 instalments for 37 and 40 week
Development 50 weeks £90.00 £4,500.00 leases – October, January and April
Twin/Double room
• 4 instalments for 50 week leases –
Craigievar October, January, April and June
Crescent 50 weeks £92.00 £4,600.00
Single room Further details regarding
accommodation can be obtained at
Craigievar www.rgu.ac.uk/accommodation,
Crescent 50 weeks £60.00 £3,000.00 tel. (01224) 262129/2131 or email
Twin room accommodation@rgu.ac.uk.
Dee View
Single standard 50 weeks £85.00 £4,250.00
room
Dee View
Twin standard 50 weeks £60.00 £3,000.00
room
Dee View
50 weeks £70.00 £3,500.00
Twin ensuite room
East Lodge 37 weeks £105.00 £3,885.00
Single standard 40 weeks £105.00 £4,200.00
room 50 weeks £100.00 £5,000.00
58 Schoolhill 37 weeks £105.00 £3,885.00
Single standard 40 weeks £105.00 £4,200.00
room 50 weeks £100.00 £5,000.00
West Lodge 37 weeks £105.00 £3,885.00
Single standard 40 weeks £105.00 £4,200.00
room 50 weeks £100.00 £5,000.00
In addition to the above costs, a non refundable registration/reservation fee of
£100 is payable for all accommodation payable when accepting an offer of accommodation.
24 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 25
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES limited. Students who make a successful application to the Fund will have their award paid in
instalments throughout the academic year. In some cases, payment may be made direct to the
childcare provider. Payments made are additional to any loan entitlement and students must
The Disability & Dyslexia Service provides individual students with arrangements to suit their apply for their full loan entitlement before assistance is given from the Fund.
specific needs and to ensure that they receive the necessary support. Students receive advice
on the kind of support that will benefit them during their time at University. Arrangements can Application for assistance from this Fund should be made directly to the University. Further
also be made for students with mobility difficulties who may need to travel between sites. details and application forms are available from the Student Info Zone in the St Andrew Street
building or at Garthdee, from Student Finance, or email studentfinance@rgu.ac.uk.
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
Scottish students who are widowed, divorced, separated or single with at least one dependant
DSA is designed to meet any additional study-related costs that may arise for disabled child are eligible for the Lone Parent’s Grant from SAAS. They can also claim the Additional
students. DSA is not income-assessed, but needs assessed. Childcare Grant for Lone Parents for help with formal childcare costs. Further details can be
obtained from the SAAS website – www.saas.gov.uk.
Before you can apply for DSA, the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) or your
education authority will require an Assessment of Needs report and evidence of your Students from England, Wales and N Ireland are eligible to apply for childcare grants from
impairment or specific learning difficulty. An Assessment of Needs will cover all aspects of your their education authority. Details can be obtained from the appropriate student finance
University studies and make recommendations to remove any barriers to your learning. The website. Students who are eligible for this support are not eligible to apply for assistance from
Service is validated by the Scottish Government to undertake these assessments. the Childcare Fund.
For more information regarding support for students with disabilities, contact our Disability & Students with children may also receive support through the Tax Credits. Refer to the Tax
Dyslexia Service – Credits section of this leaflet.
Tel (01224) 262103 TAX CREDITS
Email disability@rgu.ac.uk
Website – www.rgu.ac.uk/studentservices/disability. Students and their families could receive more money through the tax credits. Students with
children are entitled to claim Child Tax Credit which the Inland Revenue will pay to those who
CHILDCARE SUPPORT are responsible for at least one child, whether or not they are in paid work. Students who work
more than 16 hours a week could also be eligible for Working Tax Credit. Extra help is also
Childcare Fund available to those who have a disability or who are caring for children with a disability.
The Childcare Fund is available to “home” UK students on full-time undergraduate courses Further information on tax credits are available at www.hmrc.gov.uk or by calling the HM
to help towards the cost of registered or formal childcare costs – formal childcare includes Revenue and Customs helpline on 0845 300 3900.
childminders, after school clubs, day care, sitter services and providers of pre-school and
education. DISCRETIONARY FUND
EU students and students studying Nursing and Midwifery or Allied Health Profession (AHP) The Discretionary Fund is money allocated to the University to assist students in financial
courses are NOT eligible for assistance from this Fund. Students on AHP courses are however difficulty to continue their studies. Before applying to the fund, students must have taken out
eligible for consideration for assistance from the Discretionary Fund. their full student loan entitlement. All “home” students, undergraduate and postgraduate, full
and part time, are eligible to apply. Further details from Student Finance.
Students who are not eligible for the payment of their tuition fees are NOT eligible to apply to
this Fund.
Awards are discretionary and are based on personal and financial circumstances. Not all
students who are eligible to apply for support from this Fund will be assisted as the Fund is
26 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 27
EMERGENCY LOAN FUND Scholarships open to 3rd year students:
The University operates a temporary, interest-free loan service to all full-time students. • AGR Engineering Scholarship
Students can borrow small amounts from the Fund which must be repaid within an agreed • KCA Deutag Business Scholarship
period of time. Application is made through Student Finance. • KCA Deutag Engineering Scholarship
• FMC Technologies Engineering Scholarship
• The Fiona Fuller Business Scholarship (sponsored by Poyry)
TEMPORARY LOANS • Sparrows Offshore Scholarship
• Total Scholarship
Temporary loans are available for students who are in financial difficulty at the beginning of the
session due to a delay in their student loan and/or maintenance awards. Application is made Further details are available on our website - www.rgu.ac.uk/scholarships.
through Student Finance.
ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FUNDING
SCHOLARSHIPS
EGAS
At RGU we recognise that being a student can be expensive. That’s why we offer a range
of scholarships. Winning a scholarship can be an easy way of boosting your income, leaving The Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS) offers a range of services providing
you free to concentrate on your studies. It’s also an excellent way to gain practical experience information on funding. They specialise in funding from charitable trusts and maintain a
through the industry mentoring and placement opportunities which many of our corporate database of trusts and charities that assist students. They also administer over 30 educational
scholarships offer. trusts themselves, giving small grants to students who study at institutions that are affiliated
to their service – Robert Gordon University is an affiliated member. Further information is
Below we have detailed some of the scholarships that we offer - available at their website – www.family-action.org.uk.
Scholarships open to students in any year of study: LEVERHULME TRADE CHARITIES TRUST
RGU: SPORT offers a number of Sports Scholarships to promising sports men and women to The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust offer bursaries to students who have an immediate family
support them in developing their talents and succeeding in their chosen sporting field whilst member who is/was a commercial traveller, chemist or grocer. Funds are for maintenance,
undertaking academic study. tuition fees, travel, study materials, accommodation, childcare costs, etc. Students should be
undertaking a first degree course in the UK. Further details are available at their website –
Scholarships open to 1st year students: www.leverhulme-trade.org.uk.
• Talisman Engineering Scholarship THE ROYAL CALEDONIAN SCHOOLS TRUST
• Talisman Management Scholarship
• Technip Engineering Scholarship The Royal Caledonian Schools Trust can assist the children of a Scot who has served or is
• Wood Group Scholarship serving in the Armed Forces. Assistance can be given for living costs, books and equipment
and additional fees. Further details are available at their website – www.rcst.org.uk.
Scholarships open to 2nd year students:
• AMEC Scholarship
• Bureau Veritas Scholarship
• Petrofac Business Scholarship
• Petrofac Engineering Scholarship
• Petrofac Quantity Surveying Scholarship
• Sparrows Offshore Scholarship
• Technip Surveying Scholarship
28 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 29
ENHANCED LEARNING CREDITS ADMINISTRATION SERVICES (ELCAS)
The MoD’s Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC) is an initiative to promote lifelong
learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. The ELC scheme provides financial support
in the form of a single up-front payment in each of a maximum of three separate financial years.
Further information is available at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com/mssql/index.html.
TRUST FUNDS
The following websites may be useful:-
• www.acf.org.uk
• www.scholarship–search.org.uk
• www.support4learning.com
• www.family-action.org.uk
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE ENROLMENT
When you start at University you want things to go as smoothly as possible. These notes will help
you make sure you are fully prepared for the financial aspects of your enrolment at University
• If you wish to apply for assistance with tuition fees from SAAS or your education authority,
or if you need a student loan or are eligible for a bursary - APPLY NOW.
• If you have to pay some or all of your tuition fees and want to set up an instalment plan, you
can do this as part of the on-line enrolment process.
• If, when you enrol, you have yet to receive confirmation from SAAS, your education
authority or other funding body of the amount you are due to pay in fees you will still be
allowed to enrol. No payment is required at enrolment if your contribution has not been
confirmed. If however, later in the session SAAS, your education authority or other funding
body have not confirmed your tuition fees are to be paid by them, you will be liable for the
amount due.
NOTES: At enrolment you will be asked to confirm how your tuition fees are being
paid, whether or not this has been confirmed, i.e. SAAS/education authority
funded, self-funded or part self-funded. It is essential that you are aware of
this before you enrol.
Scottish students will receive an Award Notice from SAAS which states that
they should take this to the University - we do not require to see this unless
we ask for it.
30 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 31
CONTACTS
Student support enquiries Student Finance, St Andrew Street Building, City Centre Campus
- loans, bursaries, funds, etc Tel (01224) 262127/6
Email - studentfinance@rgu.ac.uk
Course fee enquiries/ Student Finance, St Andrew Street Building, City Centre Campus
payment of tuition fees/ Tel (01224) 262664
instalment options Email - studentfinance@rgu.ac.uk
Visit our website www.rgu.ac.uk/studentfinance
Student Accommodation Service Tel (01224) 262129/2131
Email - accommodation@rgu.ac.uk
www.rgu.ac.uk/accommodation
Disability & Dyslexia Service Tel (01224) 262103
Email – disability@rgu.ac.uk
www.rgu.ac.uk/studentservices/disability
Visit Student Info Zone St Andrew Street Building, City Centre Campus OR
University Street (lower ground floor, RGU: Sport)
Garthdee Campus
Scottish and EU students can obtain further information on funding available from -
Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS)
Gyleview House
3 Redheughs Rigg Tel 0845 111 1711
EDINBURGH EH12 9HH www.saas.gov.uk
Students from England, N Ireland and Wales should contact the appropriate education authority or
visit one of the following websites -
Students from England www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance Tel 0845 300 5090
Students from Wales www.studentfinancewales.co.uk Tel 0845 602 8845
Student from N Ireland www.studentfinanceni.co.uk Tel 0845 600 0662
The Student Loans Company (SLC) administers the payments of loans and is responsible for keeping
details of your account, sending annual statements and answering questions about your loan. If you
have any queries about your individual loan account, you should contact them directly -
Student Loans Company
100 Bothwell Street Tel 0845 026 2019
GLASGOW G2 7JD www.slc.co.uk
32 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011 33
t
uppor11
s
f in ancial 0-20 201
This leaflet was produced by Student Finance to assist students in session 2010-
2011. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is correct, the
University cannot accept any liability for changes in legislation or regulations made
after the date of going to print or indeed any inaccuracies or errors in the leaflet.
The Robert Gordon University, a Scottish charity registered under charity number SCO13781
34 FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2010-2011