[emma_h]

I did an art foundation aged 18 and went on to university where I dropped out at christmas of the first year. I have been accepted at a different university to start again. I have applied for student finance and they have just come back to me saying im not entitled to it for my first year. They say it is because i did an art foundation and have said that as my course is four years i would ordinarily be entitled to up to 5 years finance however they say because i did my art foundation (which is further education not higher education) and started and dropped out of my first year, they will only finance 3 years - and i would have to pay for the first year.
i didn't think my art foundation counted could someone confirm this?
also if it does count, my third year of the course will be a placement year for which fees shouldnt be payable to the uni so could i not ask them to fund my first year instead of the third?

thanks,
Emma xx

[Shani]

Even if your art foundation year counts (which I think it does) you still should be able to get full funding for the duration of a new course. You need to appeal this decision.

Unfortunately you cannot ask them to fund specific years - entitlement is given from the last year first. However, as I said, with only one year previous study the whole duration of another course should be funded.

[emma_h]

sorry could u just explain how i can still get full funding if the art foundation does count as i had started and then dropped out of first year uni and ive been told that counts aswell?
also could you tell me the best person/way to appeal to?

thanks for your help

[Shani]

(Original post by emma_h)
sorry could u just explain how i can still get full funding if the art foundation does count as i had started and then dropped out of first year uni and ive been told that counts aswell?
also could you tell me the best person/way to appeal to?

thanks for your help

Right, I missed the bit where you also went into another year and dropped out.

Foundation years do always count towards entitlement unfortunately.

This would then mean you have 2 years previous study, and you will get a maintenance loan only for the first year of a new course, having to pay the tuition yourself. You will then get full funding for the rest of the duration of the course.

It is not possible to change which years you get the funding at all.

[Cll_ws]

I thought it was only 4 years of finance you were entitled to? That would explain why they're saying you aren't entitled to it first year.

[Shani]

(Original post by Cll_ws)
I thought it was only 4 years of finance you were entitled to? That would explain why they're saying you aren't entitled to it first year.

This is a common misconception, because normally courses are 3 years long.

Funding is given based on a formula, which is:

New course length + 1 year - previous study

The formula is especially important to use when dealing with courses such as combined masters, degrees with foundation years combined, or longer courses such as dentistry and medicine.

It allows for students to have funding for the duration of their course, plus one "gift year", should they wish to re-take etc.

[LauraEmilyT]

(Original post by emma_h)
I did an art foundation aged 18 and went on to university where I dropped out at christmas of the first year. I have been accepted at a different university to start again. I have applied for student finance and they have just come back to me saying im not entitled to it for my first year. They say it is because i did an art foundation and have said that as my course is four years i would ordinarily be entitled to up to 5 years finance however they say because i did my art foundation (which is further education not higher education) and started and dropped out of my first year, they will only finance 3 years - and i would have to pay for the first year.
i didn't think my art foundation counted could someone confirm this?
also if it does count, my third year of the course will be a placement year for which fees shouldnt be payable to the uni so could i not ask them to fund my first year instead of the third?

thanks,
Emma xx

I'm a bit unhelpful with the whole finances but do u recommend a foundation in art? I want to go into fashion industry & my teachers recommend do a year foundation first but i'm insure whether it's a waste if time, I'd have to pay train fares for a year. The course at uni, well my number 1 is a 4 yr sandwich degree


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[Cll_ws]

(Original post by Shani)
This is a common misconception, because normally courses are 3 years long.

Funding is given based on a formula, which is:

New course length + 1 year - previous study

The formula is especially important to use when dealing with courses such as combined masters, degrees with foundation years combined, or longer courses such as dentistry and medicine.

It allows for students to have funding for the duration of their course, plus one "gift year", should they wish to re-take etc.

Ah okay, fair enough.
I did an Art Foundation, only at college so it was free. If you received funding for the foundation then I imagine it would count, especially if you got a full maintenance loan and everything. But I guess it'd be best to double check that with them.