Graduate Fees Petition

[sweet25yo]

hi there
would you I be elegible for a tuition fee loan if I funded my first degree myself with out any help? I havent had any maintainance loan or any help with tuition fees before. Doesn't seem the fair that the first time I am asking for any support I cannot get just because I already have a degree. Anyone know more about this situation?

[midnite-oil]

I'm pretty sure you are not entitled to a tuition fee loan if you have got a degree from a UK institution*, however you paid for it, and however long ago. They argue that tuition fees are heavily subsidised, so even if you paid your own fees or were never entitled to a grant/loan because of family circumstances, you have still benefitted.

I do know of people with overseas degrees who have been given tuition fee support though. #

(* Don't know how it works with OU or part-time degrees)

[sweet25yo]

I went to drama school and the fees were 9000 a year, so definately not funded - all private. I won scholarships based on talent to help cover for fees, but that was part of the selection process, not somnething I could choose.
Really doesnt seem fair as lots of other students had help, but because I won scholarships and worked extremely hard I could finish without any debt.
GRRRRR

[mussed]

I think you will get your fees paid then - because it was, effectively, a private institution.

[sweet25yo]

I hope so. If not it is going to be really difficult. I just think the whole thing is ridiculous. It is not like we are asking to have the education fully paid for ( even though it would be nice), we are asking for a loan.
We can only hope things change soon. SIGN THE PETITION!

[Dee41]

It's early in the morning so I might be totally wrong here but if I achieve my first degree in nursing will I be able to apply for a loan to pay for my tuition fees for my med course? Sorry too much wine last night and now regretting it cos my head isn't working properly - If I am posting a load of rubbish then just ignore me (my kids do so I'm used to it)

[sammy123]

hi Dee 41 i qualified as a nurse in 2002 i didnt have any student loans but i did have a bursery. The LEA have told me that i cant get the fee loan for the 1st 2 years but i can apply for the normal loan. Im also not able o apply for any grants or help with childcare. It may be worth giving them a calli think they look at each case on its own and it depends how many years since you were last in education. Do you have a place for next year? If not good luck

[Tahira]

I remember reading a post about how you can't take out a maintenance loan and use that to pay for your tuition fees, but I can't seem to find it now! But I'm just curious, how would anyone how you were spending the money?

[sammy123]

I aske dwheni applied for my maintenance loan and they said i could use tthe money for anything including the fees hope that hasn't changed or i'll struggle.

[ryangeleit]

Has anyone heard that the government are planning to increase tuition fees for anyone wanting to take a second undergraduate degree? This is only a new development, but does anyone know if there are exceptions (i.e. medicine) and if it is likely to be put in place for this september? I have read that some universities may now charge over £7,000. eek!

See the article below...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7178836.stm