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Grant Application - 5 Year rule

  • 06-09-2010 03:39PM
    #1
    Cravez
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,031 ✭✭✭


    Hi all,

    Next year i plan on returning to education for an undergraduate course as a mature student. I am aware of all the requirements etc for the maintainence grant but haven't been able to find a clear answer for one thing.

    I previously did 2 years of an undergraduate course but I decided not to continue with it further as the course was not right for me. Now if i am to eligible I need to have not been in approved course for 5 years (as considered a 'Second Chance Student').

    All well and good but I would like to know whether each if year counts is at the beginning of an education year or at the end of an education year? (where the 5 year rule applies). I studied my first two years In the Academic Years 2005 & 2006 (September 2005 and September 2006, but obviously finished the second year in around May 2007). Since i will be applying to start a course in the Academic term of September 2011 will i be able to apply for maintaince grant for this course or not? (because i am not sure whether if the 5 year rule is based on by the start or the end of an academic year).

    If it works from the start of the year I may be eligible, if it is from the end of the year than it means I wont be able to apply (:(). I am just generally confused regarding the situation so any clear answer is much appreciated.

    (Btw i am applying for UK Universities and not enquiring regarding free tution fees, only maintainance grants)

    Thanks all for the help.


Comments

  • #2
    Annasopra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,220 ✭✭✭✭Annasopra


    I would suggest dropping into a citizens advice centre to ask them and also be aware that the grant rules can change every year so while that rule might be in place for this year it might be completely different next year

    It was so much easier to blame it on Them. It was bleakly depressing to think that They were Us. If it was Them, then nothing was anyone's fault. If it was us, what did that make Me? After all, I'm one of Us. I must be. I've certainly never thought of myself as one of Them. No one ever thinks of themselves as one of Them. We're always one of Us. It's Them that do the bad things.

    Terry Pratchet



  • #3
    p28559
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 182 ✭✭p28559


    why dont you just apply for the grant and see what happens.

    no disrespect to the other poster but what anyone but the grants office says could lead you astray...


  • #4
    Annasopra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,220 ✭✭✭✭Annasopra


    p28559 wrote: »
    why dont you just apply for the grant and see what happens.

    no disrespect to the other poster but what anyone but the grants office says could lead you astray...
    in all fairness the grants offices are not even experts themselves - CICs can help as well

    It was so much easier to blame it on Them. It was bleakly depressing to think that They were Us. If it was Them, then nothing was anyone's fault. If it was us, what did that make Me? After all, I'm one of Us. I must be. I've certainly never thought of myself as one of Them. No one ever thinks of themselves as one of Them. We're always one of Us. It's Them that do the bad things.

    Terry Pratchet



  • #5
    Cravez
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,031 ✭✭✭Cravez


    Hi guys,

    Thanks for the information before. From what I have been told I won't be able to get a maintenance grant for next year. I can only claim it in the 3rd & 4th years of study. I can however start claiming a full 4 years from September 2012, but to be honest, i'm adament about studying next year.

    I have already been looking into finance in the UK and can get tuition fee loans with very reasonable Interest rates (1.5%) and flexible repayment terms. However I can only claim for this from 2nd year onwards. So basically my entire first year will have to be self funded almost completely myself (which I do not mind doing per say).

    I was wondering of any other financial aids or supports out there that will help me with my study? I came across an EU grant scheme but it's more of a lottery grant type of thing (basically all who apply for it, a random winner(s) will be picked) worth €1000. While it's worth trying, I would be looking for somthing more stable and concrete.

    Iv already looked into Bursary's and if I get accepted into the University I can claim £500 for the first year and £329 for the other years. I have also started looking to opening a credit union account. I have also calculated in the possibility of part time work while I am there.

    So anything else (at all?) that I may be possible to apply for to help out with financial assistance? (in terms of studying in the UK)

    Thanks :)


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