[Shane8R]

Ok, first post and all, on a depressing subject, money!

I am currently finishing a 2 year HnD course that I applied for tuition fee finance to cover the 2 years. I have been accepted into Keele University on a 3 year course and applied for SF naturally.

Today I recieved a letter telling me that the company will cover the 2nd and 3rd years of my course but not the first! Therefore leaving me with a £9000 hole to fill in around 4 months. My question is simple, is there anyway I can get out of this? Is there any way they can put the year they don't cover me, back to the 3rd? Any advice out there? It wouldn't be so bad if it were 3000 like last year, but seriously, how are HnD students actually expected to cover this kind of cost, it's crazy. Had I known about this rule, I would have paid for 1st or 2nd year at HnD!

Notes that may help:
-The fee amount on paperwork states the tuition amount is £3400 which is last years amount, after discussing this with SF they say it's because I have applied for returning student rather than new? The person doesn't think this will change the fact that I won't get covered for the first year still?
-Would I be able to pay off my 2nd Year HnD tuition fee in one lump sum to get me a years of coverage back?

Thank you to anybody that can help!

[Shani]

There are different rules that apply if you were topping up a HND to a degree, but by going on to do a full 3 year undergrad course, then it seems they've assessed you correctly. If it was a 4 year course and you have 2nd year entry - that would make a difference, but not if you're getting 1st year entry.

SF in that situation will always fund from the last year first, and you won't be able to bargain with them to change that.

Your previous study is counted regardless how that previous study was financed, so paying off previous loans won't make a difference (and it would be the same had you not had any student finance help at all and paid for it yourself in the first place).

[Shane8R]

Wow, I never knew it didn't make a difference if I had paid it myself, that's madness! HnD students should be told this before they apply because it's not fair at all, especially now you have to get 9k together.

I have applied for 2nd year entry now, and I am awaiting the response.

Thanks for your reply.