You can do it!

Anne Donnelly, Student Finance Adviser with NUS-USI, details financial help available to mature students.

Many adults considering some form of education are put off by the fear of not being able to cope financially while, very often, having a family and a need to maintain some sort of income. The good news is that help is often available. Anyone thinking of returning to education should investigate options thoroughly. A good first port of call is to ring us for a confidential assessment.

Advisers at the Adult Learner Finance Project (which NUS-USI and guidance agency EGSA operate) will explain the possibilities in relation to your circumstances. It may then be helpful to discuss any points with the appropriate staff at the university or college you are interested in. People who are unemployed or on benefits will additionally need to go through their plans with their benefits office

Currently, the annual tuition fee for full-time students is £1,150. Students’ circumstances are individually examined to determine how much, if any, they should pay themselves. For mature students, this includes income earned by a partner. Spouses are expected to make a contribution to the tuition fee if their income exceeds £21,475, though they would not have to pay the full amount unless they were very highly paid. Most mature students support themselves, wherever possible through part-time work. However, they may have all their tuition fees paid for them if on benefits or on a low income.

Full-time students up to the age 54 can obtain a student loan to help with living expenses, up to £4,095 if away from home, and £3,240 if living at home. From the April after finishing their studies, students repay a percentage of their income each year until the debt is cleared. There are means tested bursaries available up to a maximum of £2,000 for students whose household or parental income is less than £20,500.

If you get into financial difficulty, Hardship or Support funds, mainly for child care, travel and course costs, are available from colleges. Amounts vary and they can be paid as short-term loans but more usually as grants.

For full-time students with children, the Student Loan Company has non-repayable grants. They include the Adult Dependants Grant (up to £2,335 a year), Parents Learning Allowance (up to £1,330 a year), Lone Parent’s Grant (up to £1,150) and a Child Care Grant (up to £114.75 a week per child). Child Benefit continues to be paid, as do some disability-related benefits, and in some cases elements of social security benefits.

Those with disabilities or dependants may be entitled to a Care Leavers’ Grant, Dependants Allowance, Disabled Students Allowance, Lone Parents Grant, Child Tax Credit and Travel Allowance. Part-time students can get help with fees and a grant, depending on their income. Your local education and library board will advise you.

You could be eligible for social security benefits, particularly if only studying for a few hours each week and actively seeking work. Most full-time students cannot claim benefits; however, certain groups such as lone parents and students with disabilities are eligible. If you think you are entitled, contact your local benefits office or our information line. There are also trust funds and other alternative sources of student funding.

Remember, it is possible to finance your way through college and we are here to help you. Contact the Duty Information Officer at the Adult Learner Finance Project (NI), 028 9024 4274, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.money2learn.com. Independent Advice Centres (www.adviceni.net), Citizens Advice bureaux (www.citizens advice.co.uk), Law Centre (NI) (www.lawcentreni.org) and the Social Security Agency (www.ssani.gov.uk) are useful sources of advice and information.