An introduction to Student Support

							An introduction to Student Financial Support
Student Support is the name for the mains means of finance for students
whose main home is in the UK.

In this section a ‘home student’ is a person whose normal home is in the UK,
and there are no immigration restrictions on their stay in the UK. Also the
student will have had to be ordinarily resident in the UK for the three years
prior to starting the course. You should check the eligibility section if you are
unsure if you qualify for Student Support.


This support consists of various loans and grants, the initial application is
made to the Local Authority or Council where you normally live. Applications
should be made before you arrive at university.

The main components of student support are:

Tuition Fees Loan
All undergraduate students can apply for this element. In the 2008-09
academic year the amount is £2,835 and it is paid direct to UCL. The UCL
tuition fees are £3,145, as this is higher than the fees loan, UCL is required to
offer a minimum bursary of £310 to each student who receives the maximum
maintenance grant. Those students who do receive a maintenance grant will
receive a UCL bursary larger than the minimum.

Student Loan
A loan of up to £6,475 is available to home undergraduate students, only
£3,580 if you live with your parents. One quarter of the maximum loan
depends upon your (or your parents) income. The calculator on the Student
Finance Direct website will help you calculate the amount of loan you can
receive.

Maintenance Grant
Most home undergraduate students can apply for this grant. If your
household income is less that £25,000 you will receive the maximum grant of
£2,835. If your household income is more than £25,000 but less than
£60,005, you will receive some, but not all, of the maintenance grant. If your
household income is more than £60,006 you will not receive any maintenance
grant.


Special Support Grant
If you are not eligible for a maintenance grant, but do receive Income Support
or another means tested welfare benefit, you may be eligible for the Special
Support Grant.

For full details of Student Support please refer to the
www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk website