Student Awards

Frequently Asked Questions

• What help can I get/What grants are available?
• How much will I have to pay towards my tuition fees?
• How do I apply?
• When will I receive the financial support?
• Am I entitled to any help for my dependants while I am studying?
• What is a student loan?
• Detailed information on Student Awards

What help can I get/What grants are available?

Further Education

Tameside residents leaving school in the summer and thinking of moving on to further education may qualify for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Find out more by clicking on the link

Those students who do not qualify for the EMA may be able to get help from the College Learner Support Fund. Contact the college you are planning to attend for further information.

Higher Education

Students going into higher education may be able to apply for help towards the cost of tuition fees, a maintenance grant, student loan and additional help if you have dependants or a disability.

See Higher Education Student Support for more information.

How much will I have to pay towards my tuition fees?

Full-time students starting courses of higher education in September 2008 will be liable for a variable tuition fee of up to £3,145. All students, though, are eligible for support to help meet these fees. The amount of Government support you get towards your tuition fees depends on the following main factors.

• Whether you study full time or part-time.
• Which course you study. For example, some courses automatically qualify for free tuition for certain years.
• Whether or not you study at a publicly funded university or college.
• Whether you have previously been on a higher education course and received Government support to do so.
• Whether you meet the residence requirement.

See Higher Education Student Support for more information.

How do I apply?

You need to contact our Student Awards Section as soon as possible after applying for a university or college place. They will decide if you are eligible for financial help with fees and living costs, and how much help you will be entitled to. If you currently attend a Tameside school or college, information is available from them and application packs for the 2008/09 academic year will be available in March 2008.

See Higher Education Student Support for more information and for advice on making an online application.

New student finance application arrangements will apply to students beginning their studies from September 2009. Further details will be posted here as soon as they become available.

When will I receive the financial support?

As long as you have applied in time and your university or college has confirmed your place, you will be paid your first loan at the start of the academic year. The Government's contribution to your tuition will be paid direct to your university or college. Payments are made by the Student Loans Company, not Tameside Council.

Am I entitled to any help for my dependants while I am studying?

You may get a special grant if your children are financially dependent on you. Please contact our Student Finance Team on 0161 342 2203/3215 for advice. The university or college you are planning to go to may also be able to offer you help with the costs of childcare through their hardship fund.

What is a student loan?

Student loans are available to students who require help with tuition fees and living costs. Unlike grants, you have to repay any loans. However you will not have to start paying them back until you have finished or left your course and you begin earning.

Interest on the amount that you owe will be linked to inflation - inline with the Retail Prices Index (RPI). This means the value of the amount you pay back will be broadly the same, in real terms, as the value of the amount you borrowed.

See Higher Education Student Support for more information.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Student Finance Team Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 2203/3215
0161 342 2609