UK Student Loans Explained

Written by: Joseph Kenny

Student loans seem to be the only feasible way out to pursue higher studies for the average student in UK. Things become all the more difficult for those without university funding. The government, in its efforts to make further education affordable, had undertaken quite a few steps to buffer educational finance. A significant step towards this end was the formalising of the Student Loans scheme.

The Student Loans scheme was meant to help students with their costs of living during their period of study. With the credit market in UK specialising and booming with respect to the various economic spheres, student loans from private players are gradually becoming easier to get. Numerous lending agencies are eager to offer you a student loan after taking care of every odd problem a borrower may have.

The student loan or support schemes available in UK for various types of education & training within Britain are numerous. The specifications for student loans differ on the basis of the type of the course for which funding is needed, that is, full, part-time, or distance courses at UK universities and also the nationality, region, merit, and financial capacity of the student.

The student loan specifications and categorisation also change according to the study level

students planning to go to Further Education,
currently in Further Education,
left Further Education,
Gap Year,
students with children,
disabled students,
postgraduate students,
mature students, teachers,
NHS funded students,
students in Scotland,
students in N. Ireland & EU students.

You can get a student loan even if you are aged between 50 to 54 years. However, in this case you will have to confirm that you plan to work after the completion of your course. Usually the student loans are designed to take care of the costs of living, which includes costs made on accommodation, food, clothes, and travel. Just 25% of the loan is evaluated on the basis of your income.

For detailed information about the amount of the student loan and the legal procedure, get in touch with the local student loan award authority. This authority will manage the initial part of your student loan application. You will be tested with respect to your means and eligibility to justify your qualification for the student loan. You can also submit your application online with a reliable lending firm.

Against the loan, you are to pay a monthly interest that is based on the rate of inflation calculated daily from the start date of your student loan. You start repaying after finishing the course and after you reach the income level of over £10,000 a year.

However easy the procedure of getting a loan is, remember that you have to repay them. It is better to plan for the repayments while you are applying for the student loans. This increases your credit rating as well as relieves you of severe financial tension in future.

About the Author

Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the loan information sites Select Loans and also UK Personal Loan Store.