Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

Can't afford my University

Hello,

I've accepted an unconditional offer from a private University, assuming I could get loans to cover the costs.

Now I've just found out SFE England only covers £6000 of the costs and I'd have to pay £3000 myself.

I come from a very low income family and would be able to pay anywhere near that myself.

It seems like I can't go to this Univeristy now?

Thanks.

Reply 1

Klix88

A lack of SF entitlement is the major disadvantage of private universities for most people - they are geared towards those students who can afford them without external financial support. Are there no public unis which offer anything akin to the degree you've chosen?

Reply 2

similarBlank

There were but it was very unlikely I'd get in them as they were conditional. Also, I've already accepted this one so they've all been declined now.

Reply 3

Klix88

Ouch.

Can't think of any way round it, I'm afraid.

Reply 4

Klix88

You could always turn the place down and try to get a place through Clearing at the end of June once you have your results? Or take a gap year and reapply for 2017 entry next year. If your results are better than you anticipate, you may end up with better options at unis where you'll get the full SF funding.

Buy a smaller one.

Original post by Klix88

Yeah, I'll have to see what I can do. :P Thanks for your help! :smile:

One more question, though, if I get a gap year and get bad results would I still be able to get into University in 2017 or would I need to do something to get better results or something?

Reply 7

Klix88

Original post by similarBlank

Yeah, I'll have to see what I can do. :P Thanks for your help! :smile:

One more question, though, if I get a gap year and get bad results would I still be able to get into University in 2017 or would I need to do something to get better results or something?

I guess it depends on how you define "bad results". What have you been predicted?

Had you looked for degrees with a Foundation year? This essentially gives you an extra year at uni before you start the degree proper, but will sometimes accept lower grades. Not every subject will necessarily have courses with a Foundation year, but it's worth looking into if you haven't already. Plus Foundation years are covered by Student Finance (as long as they're at public unis).

Certainly there doesn't seem much point applying for uni courses with recent A Level grades which don't come close to entry requirements. You aren't given leeway just because you're a bit older than the average uni applicant. You can do an Access course at uni as a prep for uni, and uni offers can be made based on Access grade predictions. The bad news for those is that you won't get funding for an Access course until you hit 24 (the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan) and even then, it's just a loan to pay tuition fees - you'd still have to find living costs, although some are organised so you can work at the same time. If you then go on to uni and graduate, the good news is that your Access loan is wiped out.

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 8

similarBlank

Original post by Klix88

Had you looked for degrees with a Foundation year? This essentially gives you an extra year at uni before you start the degree proper, but will sometimes accept lower grades. Not every subject will necessarily have courses with a Foundation year, but it's worth looking into if you haven't already. Plus Foundation years are covered by Student Finance (as long as they're at public unis).