1. Student Finance Arrangements 2013/14 The N. Ireland Education and Library Boards’ Student Support section is known as; Student Finance ni

2. Eligibility In order to be eligible for support from Student Finance ni you must satisfy the following criteria; Residence Colleges Courses

3. Eligibility Residence A student must have been in residence in the UK for at least three years before the start of the course

4. Eligibility Colleges Students must be applying to attend an approved college such as;  A university or college in the UK or ROI that is maintained out of public funds.  A college of food, agriculture and rural enterprise (CAFRE)  Certain private colleges, specifically designed for student support

5. Eligibility Courses Students must be studying one of these courses.  First Degree  Higher National Diploma (Level 5 BTEC)  Higher National Certificate (Level 4 BTEC)  Diploma of Higher Education  Foundation Degree  Certain other courses

6. Entitlement Expenses whilst at university or college fall into two categories;  Tuition fees which help meet the cost of a course  Living costs referred to as higher education expenses!

7. Entitlement Tuition Fees Studying in the UK  N. Ireland£3575.00 per year  EnglandUp to £9000 per year  Wales Up to £9000 per year  Scotland Up to £9000 per year

8. Entitlement Tuition fees Studying in the Republic of Ireland  There are no tuition fees if attending a college in the South – only a registration fee €2500 which will be paid directly to the institution upon receipt of an invoice.  A loan for this can be obtained from Student Finance NI

9. Entitlement Tuition Fees Student loan for fees  All students can take out a student loan for fees for the maximum amount charged by the institution.  Paid directly to the institution by SLC.  No income assessment involved.  Study first and pay back when you start to earn over £16365 pa.  Interest is paid at 9% of earnings over £16,365 so someone starting at £22,000 would pay £9.75 per week.

10. Entitlement Living expenses Financial Help includes;  Loan for living costs (means tested)  Maintenance Grant (means tested)

11. Entitlement Grants Maintenance Grant / Special Support Grant  Worth up to £3475 and is payable to students where the household income is less than £19,203 p.a.  Between £19,204 and £41,065 there is a partial grant. Above this there is no grant.  Grant is paid in three instalments.  Doesn’t have to be repaid except if a student withdraws or doesn’t complete the course.

12. Entitlement Living Costs Student Loans for Maintenance (must be paid back) rent, food, books etc. For 2012….  Max £6780 if studying in London  Max £4840 if living away from home outside London  Max £3750 if living at home

13. Entitlement Bursary Higher Education Bursary Scholarship Scheme (HEBSS)  Students who are in receipt of a full or partial maintenance grant are entitled to a bursary ranging from £347 - £2000 depending on the institution.  Students must speak to the college or university to find out what is available.

14. Entitlement Allowances Disabled Students’ Allowance A range of assistance is available which is not means tested.  Specialist equipment up to £5266 for the whole course.  General allowance up to £1759 pa  Extra travel costs

15. Allied Health Professional Degrees What do they cover?  Chiropody,Dental Hygiene / Therapy, Dietetics,Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Orthoptics, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Prosthetics, Radiography, Speech and Language Therapy etc.  Income assessed bursary £2355 (not normally repayable)  Reduced rate student loan £2370 (must be applied for)  Tuition fees paid  Applies to UK public institutions only. See notice board for relevant addresses.

16. Nursing Courses If studying at Queens or University of Ulster, students must apply for full funding a.s.a.p. to the Bursary Administration Unit See me for the address If studying in England, Scotland or Wales, application should be made to the relevant body- addresses on careers suite notice boards. The funding is non means tested.

17. How to apply for Support for Higher Education  Complete the provided application form fully and return to the local NEELB.  Make sure to include your National Insurance Number …..no number – no payment!  And either an original birth certificate with a ‘Declaration of Identity’ or a valid passport.  One of your teachers can sign this ‘Declaration of Identity’  Check the appropriate deadlines for means tested and non means tested applications.  Ensure to use the correct postage (check weight and size of envelope)

18. Alternatively…… In May, representatives from StudentFinance NI will come to school. Any queries can be resolved Forms can be stamped and collected for processing on the provision of the relevant identification documentation.