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Funding
All education is an investment. There are fees and costs involved in practically all courses and programmes, whether you are taking part in higher education, further education or corporate training. Course fees are generally the first thing people think of, but there are also course materials, travel, food and sometimes accommodation costs to be paid for. Many people considering an education course in Northern Ireland have to weigh up the costs involved before deciding what to do.
There are a number of ways in which interested students can finance their courses and gain skills and qualifications to earn more money afterwards. That is what an investment in education is about – putting in a little now to reap the rewards in the future.
While at college or university in Northern Ireland there are two main costs to pay: tuition fees and living costs. Full-time students have to contribute towards their tuition fees. For 2005/2006, this cost was usually £1,175. Living costs in Northern Ireland are relatively low compared to other parts of the UK and Ireland, but obviously depend on the tastes and lifestyle of the individual student.
The most common official method of financing higher education is to have your fees paid by the government, which is possible for students from families under a certain income level. Supplementary government grants for students in particular circumstances - Adult Dependants Allowance, Disabled Students Allowance, Childcare Grant, and Parents’ Learning Allowance – are also available. To apply for these aids you should contact your local Education and Library Board (ELB) once you complete your UCAS application.
Other sources of financial assistance include student loans from banks with lower interest rates and flexible repayment schemes, scholarships, part-time work, and of course help from parents or other family members. Each university and college administers ‘Support Funds’ which is aid for students who fall into financial difficulties during their studies.
Useful Link:
www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
