Higher Education

1
Higher Education information for Parents and
Students

• Julie Allen
• University of Plymouth

2
Why consider going

• To improve career prospects
• To achieve specific and professional
  qualifications
• To learn new skills
• To broaden horizons

3
Choosing a Course

• More than 50,000 to choose from
• List the subjects that interest you
• Research career paths
• Read UCAS guides, Prospectuses, etc
• Talk to Careers Adviser, Tutor, anyone who has
  been to University
• Visit HE fairs, open days.
• Log on to websites such as www.ucas.com
• Do stamford test to narrow choices

4
Choosing an institution

• Over 325 institutions to choose from
• Offers the course or course combination
• Location - where is it?
• Accommodation
• Social and Recreational Activities
• Study patterns and teaching styles
• Reputation
• Go to Open Days

5
Will going to University improve my job prospects?

• Many employers require graduate level recruits or
  have fast track routes
• Graduate average salary 27,190 compared to
  average non-graduate 16,850
• Fewer jobs in the future will be available to
  non-graduates
• Transferable skills gained through University
  experience

6
Finances for 2008 Entry

• Tuition Fees
• Loans
• Grants and Bursaries

7
Tuition Fees

• Max 3145 per year
• You do not have to pay these upfront but can add
  the amount to your loan to pay when you have
  completed your course
• Scottish Universities charge English Students
  1700 per year (Medicine 2700)

8
Means Testing

• Residual income of parents or carers
• Gross income minus certain allowances
• 1075 ignored for additional dependent children
• If parents are separated, support assessed on
  household income of parent with whom you reside

9
Loans each year of study
Full year Rates (2008) Maximum Available 75 not means Tested
London 6475 4855
Elsewhere 4625 3470
Living at home 3580 2685
10
Maintenance Grant

• Maximum of 2825
• Income of 25,000 or less receive the full grant.
• Income between 25,000 and 60,000 receive a
  partial grant.

11
Other Financial Help Available

• Institutional Bursaries
• Universities will offer different amounts and
  have varied criteria
• Fee paying students with max grant must receive
  at least 310 p.a.
• Help for disabled students is available
• NHS/Social Work courses offer funding for tuition
  fees and maintenance (some means testing)
• Charitable Trusts, Sponsorships research and
  application
• Access to Learning funds

12
Finances - Repayment

• You will only repay your loan when you are
  earning at least 15,000 after you Graduate.
• You will need to pay back any deferred tuition
  fees these will be added to your loan
• You pay back in real terms the amount you
  borrow inflation linked interest
• Average repayment - 37 p.m. on a salary of
  20,000.
• Debt written off after 25 years or if you become
  disabled and unfit for work or reach the age of
  65 or you die

13
In conclusion

• Opportunity to study something you enjoy
• Enhance your future prospects
• Develop new skills
• Increase independence
• Chance to broaden horizons, interests and friends