Student support packages for part time students

Eligible students will be entitled to a fee grant, linked to how intensive the course is, with three different rates of fee grant up to a maximum of £1,230. Part-time students can also apply for a course grant of up to £265 towards travel, course materials and books.

Both grants will be accessed via a simple means test and will be available to those on low incomes who are studying at least the equivalent of 50% of a full-time course. The means test will operate using a taper scheme.

In 2011/12 the income threshold will be set at £16,845 with a £2,000 allowance each for a spouse and/or eldest dependant child and £1,000 each for any further children dependant on the student.

Part time students who meet the criteria may apply for additional help from the Additional Fee Support Scheme where fees charged by your University exceed the maximum fee grant available.

Eligibility criteria

You must satisfy at least one of the criteria listed below:

• You must be in receipt of at least a partial fee grant applicable to your level of study assessed by your Local Education Authority OR
• You are a Disabled student not eligible for statutory support because, due to the nature of your disability, you are unable to study at least 50% of a full-time course but who are studying at least 25% of a full-time course. You must also be on a low income – defined as a student’s household in receipt of a maximum gross income of less than £16,845 per annum.

You will be asked to provide evidence of your income with the application. Evidence may be photocopies of benefit books, benefit notification letters and/or wage slips. Please note that applications cannot be considered without the supporting evidence of your eligibility.

Students who already hold a degree qualification will not be eligible for assistance from the Additional Fee Support Scheme.

A student is eligible for consideration at any stage in the academic year. The maximum payment will be the appropriate fee due for that academic year. The same criteria regarding residence in the UK, type of course and minimum study also apply, as above.

Taster Modules

Students who may be thinking of studying part-time but who are reluctant to commit to a 50 per cent course, may be eligible for a Fee Waiver to coverthe cost of a 'Taster' Module. These modules are designed to give students a 'taste' of higher education.

Eligibility criteria:

• Undergraduate level courses
• At least 10% FTE (12 credits)
• Must be less than 50% FTE
• Limited to one module or one academic year, whichever is shorter
• Must be on low income or in receipt of means tested benefits
• No experience of Higher Education in recent past

Part-time Childcare Grant

Since September 2004, a new Childcare Grant has been available to eligible part-time students.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Undergraduate Part-time Students studying at least 60 credits
• In receipt of the full Fee & Course Grant
• Must have children between 0-15 years of age (or 17 if the child has special educational needs) and be the main carer
• Assistance is for Registered or Accredited childcare only

How much is the Grant?

The amount of grant available will depend on the number of children in the family. A grant of £250 per child to a maximum of three children, or £750, will be made available to eligible students.

Application Forms

Exeter has a combined application form for the Fee Waiver Scheme, Taster Modules, Part-time Childcare Grant and the Access to Learning Fund. This allows the assessors to consider both forms of assistance for all applicants, and makes it easier for you to apply for help.

All awards are paid subject to completion of the University registration procedures at the beginning of the academic year. This means if you are starting a course in 2011/12 you can apply before the start of the year to find out what help will be available to you, and help you to budget for your studies. Fee Waiver awards are normally paid direct to the University, except where the students has already paid the fees themselves and require a refund.

Application forms and guidance notes for the Fee Waiver Scheme and Access to Learning Fund can be collected after 1 August 2011 from:

• Student Funding Team
• Guild's Student Advice Centre
• School of Education and Lifelong Learning: (Student Support Officer);
• or you can download them from this site shortly.

Contact Information

If you have an enquiries regarding financial help from these schemes, please contact the Student Infomation Desk on:

Tel: 08444 724724 (UK callers) or +44 (0)1392 724724 (International callers)

E-mail: SID@exeter.ac.uk