Like many students, several of the successful learners profiled on this site had financial concerns which at some time during their courses made them think about leaving. Yet each one of them decided that it was worth the hardship for the many future gains.

What about Tuition fees?

Your contribution to higher education courses is assessed on a sliding scale depending on your income or that of your family. In practice, most students pay less than the maximum contribution, and about a third pay none at all.

How am I going to fund myself?

Many factors (such as your age, circumstances, type and length of course you want to pursue) will influence the level of support available to you. Below is a list of ways that you might be able to try to fund your chosen course. But remember: talk to someone! There are many routes to getting your funding. The colleges featured on this site will also be able to help you find the best route for you.

Student Loans

When you take out a student loan to help with your tuition fees or living costs, you won't have to repay anything until you've left your course and are earning over £15,000 a year. Repayments are made through the PAYE tax system.

Aimhigher Student Finance

Student Finance Direct

Direct Gov - Student Finance

Direct Gov - Student Finance: what you could get

Direct Gov - Student Finance: changes from Autumn 2008

Dept for Children, Schools, and Families - Student Support

All About U from UNIAID Students' Charity

Student Finance Information Booklet (PDF file)

Apply to your Local Authority for information on financial support.

What's available through College

• Make enquiries at your shortlist of colleges to find out what help may be available from the college itself.

• Some offer free or subsidised travel.

• Students with especially difficult financial circumstances may be able to get Access Fund assistance, or waived fees.

Employer sponsorship

If you are employed and the course you want to do would benefit your work, your employer may be prepared to help.

Career Development Loan

From the Career Development Loans web page you can use the free interactive telephone service to book a call to talk to a Career Development Loan advisor for advice on Career Development Loans.

DSA - Disabled Students Allowance

Disabled Students Allowance Explained

Try the SKILL website, a national charity promoting opportunities for young people and adults with any kind of disability in post-16 education, training and employment.

Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities