Welcome to Yr 13 Higher Education

EveningThursday 24th June

Reasons to consider university…

• Employability.. and greater adaptability• Greater earnings (research shows that

graduates earn over £400,000 more than non-graduates on average)

• Relatively low cost (£22p/w on £18,000 p/a)• Life and academic development

The current situation

• The recession has made the job market more competitive.

• The agreed cap on tuition fees has been lifted: we cannot guarantee these in the future.

• It can be argued that uni is a bad idea as having more debt right now is not wise.

• It can be argued that uni is a great idea as the jobs market will be more competitive.

How to make choices

• Course first, university second• Use online tools such as ukcoursefinder.com

or Stamford test• Speak to friends, teachers and use the web• Go to Open Days at the universities of interest

The 5 sections of the application

• Personal details• Additional Information• Choices• Employment• Personal Statement

Personal statement

• A 4,000 character ‘covering letter’• It enables students space to explore why they

have chosen that degree, and…• The skills they have already acquired• All students aiming for university will have

completed a draft PS for their tutor before the end of Year 12

Finance• All students will leave university with a debt – FACT:

but here are different forms of debt• ‘Good debt’ is inexpensive and an investment in

something long term (like a mortgage)• ‘Bad debt’ might be expensive APR and be used for

items that don’t appreciate (like a car loan)• University is an investment in your future.• Financial support is available to all students.

What will I pay for?

• There are two types of costs associated with going to university: tuition fees; living costs

• For 2010 / 2011 universities can charge up to £3,290 for full-time fees. All students receive a loan for this – not means tested.

Maintenance Loans

2010 / 11MAXIMUM

ENTITLEMENT

Living away from home in London

£6,928

Living away from home outside

London

£4,950

Living at home £3,838

Paying back?

• Study first, then pay back when earning over £15,000 p/a.

• You pay back 9% of your salary over £15,000. For example, if you are earning £18,000 you pay back £5.19pw.

• Loans do incur interest, but are lower than the high-street banks. The rate has been frozen at 0% until Aug 2010.

Grants

Level of Grant

£2,906

Partial grant between £2,906 & £50

Nil

Household Income

Up to £25,001

From £25,001 to

£50,020

£50,020 or above

Bursaries

• Every University has an amount of money they can award each year as non-repayable bursaries.

• Each University sets its own criteria for these, but can be over £1,000 per year

The next steps

•Personal Statement support now

•Open Days from now onwards

•An allocated UCAS mentor in September

•1st September we prioritise applicants

•First come first served basis

Any queries?

If you are a parent or student currently in Year 12 at Greenshaw and have any queries about Higher Education then

please contact me by e-mail at nhouse@suttonlea.org.