Eligibility & Prior Studies

I’m currently half way through the estimated waiting period to hear about my student finance application and I’m not sure if I’m even eligible.
So I’ve already been given an unconditional offer for the course I’ve applied for at university, which means I’m half way there. But I’m worried my prior college experience has shot my chances to go back and study down in style.
For context, back in 2016 I left school and enrolled in a local college for games design and media. I completed my first and second year, but barely due the health reasons. I spent a considerable amount of time outside of college and returned with just enough time to catch up and complete said second year. However, my third year took a turn. It was the first year of my course which required funding, and had I known that it was going to end the way it did I wouldn’t have continued the course. About half way through, I got incredibly overwhelmed with my physical and mental health and I ended up withdrawing from the course, unfortunately I already received all maintenance loans due them sending out the two final payments within a month of each other, which I found odd.
Anyways, fast forward to the present day and I’ve found a new passion of mine and would be more than interested in studying further into the sport science industry. Leads me to what I said before about my application. I’ve already been given an unconditional offer for the course and Uni, which is great news. The problem is student finance, because I’m concerned that all of this will end up with me being declined access to government funding.
It’s a different course, at a different place, 6 years later. I’m afraid that they will deny me the opportunity and second chance to study and graduate in my chosen studies due to my circumstance. So I’m hoping that I could receive even the slightest advice regarding this because I really don’t know what I’d do if I can’t go.
Much appreciate it, to whomever is reading this. Many thanks and have a good day.

Hi there,
Can you confirm the course and university you wish to study now? Would the new course be full time? Was your previous study full time?
Thanks,
Claire

Hi,
Yes of course.The course I’ve applied for would be BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Integrated Foundation Year at the University of Sunderland.
The course is in-fact full time, and my prior course was also full time.
Many thanks,
Jack.

Hi there,
Thanks for confirming. Just to further confirm, you have 3 years of previous study and there was no degree obtained?
Thanks,
Ross

Hi,
That’s not a problem! I did not obtain a degree, no. I didn’t complete my studies as I unfortunately withdrew.
Many thanks,
Jack.

Thanks Jack.
If you do have 3 years of previous study we do need to take that into consideration, even if we never funded it.
The way we work out entitlement is by the following calculation:
Length of course + additional year – previous study = years of Entitlement
If your new course is 4 months in length and you have 3 years of previous study, it would be this for you:
4 + 1 - 3 = 2years full funding.
You would be eligible for Maintenance Loan for all years but you'd be blocked for Tuition Fee support until your third and then final year.
Thanks,
Ross

Hi JWright2206,
We would count partial attendance as a year of study. As my colleague says you would have to self fund the first two years of your new course based on your previous study unless you have Compelling Personal Reasons evidence.
Thanks,
Calum

Hi JWright2206,
It would be a cover letter with supporting evidence. For health-related reasons this could be a letter from your GP or consultant.
Thanks,
Calum