Higher education

The Government's student support scheme is administered through Student Finance Direct (SFD). The Children and Young People's Student Finance Service is the local office.

Important note: Administration of student support for higher education students is due to be progressively transferred to a new national provider - Student Finance England. Student finance for all applicants starting from September 2009 onwards will not be dealt with by the Children and Young People's Student Finance Service.

If you are starting your course after 1 September 2009, please go to www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance for further information.

If you are already in receipt of support before September 2009, your application will continue to be dealt with by the Children and Young People's Student Finance Service until the end of your course or March 2011, whichever is the sooner.

Support in Higher Education

Courses of Higher Education are: Degrees, Higher National Diplomas, Diplomas in Higher Education, Post Graduate Certificate Courses in Education, University Foundation Degrees and some dance and drama courses.

The financial support available depends on when you start your course.

If you started after 1 September 2006:
Loan for tuition fees; maintenance grant; loan for maintenance; university bursary; extra help if you have a disability; extra help if you have children or adult dependents

If you started before 1 September 2006:
Grant and/or loan for tuition fees; higher education grant; loan for maintenance; extra help if you have a disability; extra help if you have children or adult dependents.

Full details of the scheme and a calculator to estimate the level of financial support can be found on the Student Finance Direct website at www.studentsupportdirect.co.uk and at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/index.htm. Forms are also available now from the Student Finance Service.

Applications are processed by Nottinghamshire Student Finance using Student Finance Direct, the Government's on-line application system.

For new students, forms and documents should be returned by 27 June 2008 to ensure all is in place by the beginning of term. Renewing students should have the necessary forms and documents returned by the end of May 2008. Students who wish to apply for the non-income assessed loan only should apply by 29 April 2008

Processing of applications

All applications are registered and acknowledged on receipt. New applicants will also receive an ART id number and a password to use when ringing the Student Direct Customer Support Office.

By using your Art id number and password you will be able to access your personal account details on-line through the Student Finance Direct website.

Part Time Courses of Higher Education

Courses for degrees, Higher National Diplomas and Diplomas in Higher Education

The package of support for part-time students includes:

• Course grant not exceeding £255
• Fee grant - subject to a maximum of £785 where the part-time course is 50% or more of a full-time course but less than 60%; £945 where 60% or more but less than 75%; or £1,180 where 75% or more.

Both grants are subject to a simple income assessment and students should be studying at least the equivalent of 50% of a full time course. The income assessment will use a sliding scale.

• Students may apply for additional help through the Access to Learning Fund. Details can be obtained from the Higher Education Institution they attend
• Students with disabilities, studying at least 50% full-time course, can apply for a Disabled Student Allowance.

Application forms are expected to be available from 28 July 2008. Further information can be obtained from the Student Finance Direct website.

Disabled student allowance for post graduate courses

The disabled student allowance can be applied for by students attending full time or part time postgraduate courses such as the Diploma in Law and Bar Finals.

Full details of the scheme are included with the application form available in September/October 2008. Further information can be obtained in advance from the Student Finance Service.

Contacts

Contacting Student Finance Direct Support Office

Please note: This is for Higher Education students only.
Tel: 08456 077577.
Lines open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday.

Contacting Student Finance Service

Student Finance Service
Nottinghamshire County Council
Children and Young People's Services
County Hall
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 7QP

Tel: 0115 977 2277
Lines open Monday to Thursday, 8.30am - 5pm, Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
Fax: 0115 977 2437
Minicom: 0115 977 3323
E-mail: student.finance@nottscc.gov.uk
Please ensure you include your full name and address with all e-mail enquiries.
Public counter: Open Monday to Thursday, 8.30am - 5pm, Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm