Frequently asked questions

We know how complicated student finance can be! Why not see if we've answered your question before you contact us?

Question Answer
How much does a course cost? Our Certificates in Higher Education are module-based, which means you pay for them one module at a time.

You should check our course details for the most up-to-date fees.
I can’t afford to do a course, unless I get financial support. What do you advise? Contact the Student Financial Support Office as soon as possible or come to see us at an Open Evening.
I’m thinking of starting my course in October. When can I apply for financial support? You can start applying for Government financial support from August onwards, once you've been accepted onto a course.

Find out how to apply.
My financial circumstances are very complicated.

Is it possible for me to speak to someone face-to-face?
Can I apply for financial support before I apply for a course? No. You need to be enrolled on your course before you can apply for financial support.

However, you can check to see if you are eligible for a Government fee grant and/or course grant before you apply for a course.
I can’t get a Government fee grant, but it looks like I can get a course grant. Is any other financial support available for me? If you are awarded a Government course grant, you may qualify for other funding.

Please contact the Student Financial Support Office for advice.
My income level is just above the Government income fee levels, but I still don’t think I can afford to study without some financial help.

What do you advise?

 You should contact the Student Financial Support Office for advice.
My course has already started. Is it too late for me to get financial support? You can apply for Government funding after the official start of your course (although we would advise you to apply as early as possible).

Find out more about the application deadlines here.
I want to do a Certificate of Higher Education, but I already have a degree.

Will I be able to get financial support?

 You can only get government support if you haven't already done a degree.

However, you may be eligible for other funding. Please contact the Student Financial Support Office for advice.
When do I need to submit my application for financial support? The Government accepts applications after the start of undergraduate course or foundation degree.

Find out more about the application deadlines here.
I've checked the eligibility guidelines. I am pretty sure I can get a Government fee grant. Do I need to make an appointment with you? No, if you can afford to enrol yourself, you can get the form directly from the Directgov website, complete it and send it to us for authorisation. We will then post it back to you.

However, if you cannot afford to enrol yourself, you should contact the Student Financial Support Office as soon as possible.
Does the financial support I get depend on the course I do? If you are planning to study a certificate of higher education, it doesn’t matter which one you want to do – it is the person that is funded, not the course.

Find out more about Government fee and course grants.
I'm getting worried.

I haven’t heard from Student Finance England about my grant application, even though I applied three months ago. Can you contact them for me?

 If you haven’t heard back from Student Finance England, you need to follow up your application. Their phone number is 0845 300 5090.

If you need further advice or assistance, please contact the Student Financial Support Office.