Student finance: The basics

With all the media attention student loans bring, it can be difficult for new students today to get to the basics.

So, to set the record straight, the following student loans are available:

- a tuition fee loan – for which both full-time and part-time students may apply

- a maintenance loan  – to help pay the general costs of living; though these loans are available to full-time students only.

The tuition fee loan will cover the fees charged each year for your course. It will be paid directly to the university or college. For courses starting after the 1st September 2012, the fees are £9,000 a year for new full-time students, £6,000 for new full-time students at a private university or college, £6,750 for new part-time students and £4,500 for new part-time students at private university or college              .

Please note; the university or college sets the fees for the course for which you’re applying. This information will be available in the prospectus and/or website. If you can’t find the information you need, call and ask. After all, it will probably need to be paid back by your future earnings!

Why “probably”? Because the loans are only repayable currently once recipients start to earn over £21,000 a year.

There may also be bursaries and/or scholarships available for some students and from certain universities and colleges. Again, each institution has its own policies in this regard, so you’ll need to ask.

Students may also be able to get additional help if they have dependants and/or have a disability or other specific learning difficulty.

The Student Loans Company is the public body set up specifically to provide financial services for students via loans and grants. Go to www.slc.co.uk for further details.

Written by David, a financial blogger. He specialises in everything from student to payday loans and tries to offer advice where possible.

 

Different Types of Student Loans explained

There are lots of types of college loans to select from, and it is important to find one that is best for your individual situation. The 2 main kinds of loans are Fed loans and non-public loans. There are 3 main sorts of Fed. loans : Fed Stafford Loans – These are awarded based primarily on finance need and are controlled by the central government. They can be procured from a bank, credit union, or right from the administration. There are 3 categories of Fed Stafford Loans to make a choice from : Financed Fed. Stafford Loan – This loan is long term and need-based, with a low-interest rate. The term “backed” suggests that the governing body will pay the interest on the loan while a student is in class or when the student requests a honeymoon period or deferment. Unsubsidized Stafford Loan – This loan is long term, non-need-based, with a low-interest rate. This sort of loan is the best for scholars who don’t qualify for other kinds of financial help, or who still require more cash as well as different types of financial support. Pretty much all household incomes qualify, and “unsubsidized” suggests that the interest on the loan is the responsibility of the borrower.

 In some cases nonetheless, payments can be put off.Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan – These loans are reserved for borrowers that are assessed as independent scholars, as set by Fed.axioms. Fed Plus Loans – These loans are available to folks whose youngsters are attending school as full or half-time undergraduate scholars. They are awarded based primarily on credit report and value of attendance. The interest is low on this sort of loan, but repayment sometimes starts within 60-90 days after full disbursement of the loan, or after the coed graduates. Fed. Perkins Loans – Perkins loans are awarded to scholars primarily based on acute fiscal need, and typically have awfully low rates.

The total funds available to be outlaid for these loans is constrained nonetheless, which suggests that the quantity of the loan will probably be comparatively low. The interest does not begin to accumulate till nine months after a student drops below half-time enrollment or graduates. If you aren’t sure if you qualify for a Perkins Loan, ask a varsity financial help consultant. One crucial thing to notice about these loans : they’re reported to a credit office, which suggests that if you’re late on payments, or default on your loan, it might injure your credit. If you do not qualify for Fed. loans, then you could consider having a look at personal banks.

Banks and loan firms regularly provide student loans at comparatively low interest rates. Each establishment is different, so be certain to try the terms of any loan you get, Fed. or personal, and ensure you know the details before signing on the dotted line.