Finance Guide 2011/2012

Heads or tails DO N’ T L ET MONEY AFFECT YOUR DE CISION TO S TUDY

FI NA N CING YOUR ST UDI ES A S T U D E NT ’ S GU IDE

Useful Contact Details

Customer Services at Carnegie College Tel: 0844 248 0115 Email: info@carnegiecollege.ac.uk Website: www.carnegiecollege.ac.uk Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) Tel: 0300 555 0505 Website: www.saas.gov.uk ILA Scotland Tel: 0808 100 1090 Email: enquiries@ilascotland.org.uk Website: www.ilascotland.org.uk Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Website: www.scqf.org.uk Jobcentre Plus Benefit Enquiries Tel: 0800 055 6688 Website: www.direct.gov.uk HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Tax Credits Helpline Tel: 0845 300 3900 Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Website: www.dwp.gov.uk

03

Contents

One of the things that can seem most daunting when thinking about coming to college to study is the issue of money and how you are going to fund yourself.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Contents

Page

Useful contacts

02

Your at-a-glance guide to student funding

04-05

Factors that may affect funding

06

Full-time students in Further Education (NQ, NC and City & Guilds) EMA Bursary Additional Financial Support available

Full-time students in Higher Education (HNC, HND, Degree, Professional Qualifications) Tuition Fees and Student Loans Bursaries and Supplementary Grants Additional Financial Support available

07-09

10-13

Part-time students in Further Education and Higher Education 14-15

That’s why we’ve produced this student guide to financing your studies, to answer any questions you may have.

PLEASE REMEMBER It is the responsibility of each prospective student to ensure that they have secured the relevant funding PRIOR to commencing their course.

Whilst we have made every possible effort to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this brochure, all figures quoted at the time of publication may be subject to change.

We advise that you always check with Customer Services on 0844 248 0115 to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information available.

04 Your at-a-glance guide to student funding Find out what financial support you may be entitled to; and most importantly, what you need to do to make sure that you receive it.

Type of funding available and how to apply

Tuition Fees Paid

Bursary

EMA (Educational Maintenance Allowance)

Full-time Further Education NQ, NC, City & Guilds Yes Apply to College Complete Bursary/EMA Application Form Yes (19 yrs or older) Apply to College Complete Bursary/EMA Application Form Yes (under 19 yrs) Apply to College Complete Bursary/EMA Application Form No

Student Loan

Supplementary Grants and Allowances

Yes Dependant Adult’s Allowance Apply to College Complete Bursary/EMA Application Form

Discretionary Fund

Yes Apply to College Provide information on Bursary/EMA Application Form or complete Additional Financial Support Form

Childcare Expenses

Yes Apply to College Provide information on Bursary/EMA Application Form or complete Additional Financial Support Form

Travel Expenses

Disability Support

Yes Apply to College Complete Bursary/EMA Application Form Yes Additional Support Needs for Learning Allowance Apply to College Complete Bursary/EMA Application Form

No ILA

This information is correct at the time of publication, but may be subject to change.

Please check with Customer Services on 0844 248 0115 to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information.

Council Tax Exemption/Discount

Yes (Full-time course, 24 weeks min) Contact your local council after start date of course

05 Full-time Higher Education HNC, HND, Degree, Professional Qualifications

Part-time Further Education NQ, NC, City & Guilds

Part-time Higher Education HNC, HND, Degree, Professional Qualifications

Yes Apply to SAAS

Yes (if in receipt of qualifying benefit) Apply to College

Yes (if in receipt of qualifying benefit) Apply to College

Yes Young Students’ (under 25) or Independent Students’ Bursary Apply to SAAS

No

No

No

No

No

Yes Apply to SAAS

No

No

Yes Dependants’ Grant/Lone Parents’ Grant - Apply to SAAS Lone Parent Childcare Grant - Apply to College

No

No

Yes Apply to College Complete Additional Financial Support Form

Yes Apply to College Complete Part-time Funding Application Form

Yes Apply to College Complete Part-time Funding Application Form

Yes Apply to College Complete Additional Financial Support Form

Yes Apply to College Complete Part-time Funding Application Form

Yes Apply to College Complete Part-time Funding Application Form

Yes Apply to SAAS

Yes Apply to College Complete Part-time Funding Application Form

Yes Apply to College Complete Part-time Funding Application Form

Yes Disabled Students’ Allowance Apply to SAAS

Yes Additional Support Needs for Learning Allowance Apply to College

Yes Disabled Students’ Allowance Apply to SAAS

No

Yes ILA200 - Apply to ILA

Yes Part-time Fee Grant - Apply to SAAS ILA200 - Apply to ILA Scotland

Yes (Full-time course, 24 weeks min) Contact your local council after start date of course

No

No

06

Factors that may affect funding

All students may apply for funding but there are national policies and guidelines which must be adhered to. As a result, not everyone is eligible for funding (although most people are). The following are examples of issues that may affect your eligibility for funding: Residency in the UK and Scotland: if you have not lived in either place for long enough, you may not be eligible Previous funding: if you have studied on a full-time basis and received bursaries, grants or loans before, you may not be eligible Household income: income from parents, step-parents or even parents’ partners may be considered, as well as any spouse or partner income. This may reduce the amount of award you receive.

If you require guidance on whether or not you are eligible for funding, please contact our Customer Services Team for advice.

Please remember - it is the responsibility of each prospective student to ensure that they have secured the relevant funding PRIOR to commencing their course.

Full-Time Further Education (NQ, NC and City & Guilds)

EMA

As a Full-time Further Education student, the type of funding you apply for will depend upon your age on the date your course officially begins.

I will be under 19 years old on the date my course starts. What financial support can I apply for?

The value of EMA awarded will depend on your household income.

Students may receive an award of £30 per week, depending upon personal circumstances. If your household income is above £22,403* per annum, unfortunately no EMA can be awarded. If you work part-time, this income will not affect the amount of EMA you receive.

Under 19 years of age when your course starts?

You should apply for the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) – see this page for more details.

19 years or over when your course starts?

You are eligible to apply to the College for a Bursary – see page 08 for more details.

EMAs are paid every fortnight on a Friday into your bank account. If you do not have a bank account at present, please arrange to have one opened by the time you begin your course. If you are finding it difficult to open an account, we can help you.

EMAs are paid subject to 100% full attendance in the two weeks prior to payment. Unauthorised absences will mean that money will be deducted from your payment. Students cannot be paid for holidays, either when the College is closed, or if they take a holiday in term-time.

Will I receive any help with my travel costs?

As long as you live more than 2 miles as the crow flies from your main place of study, you may also be awarded travelling expenses.

These are usually based upon the cheapest form of transport available (eg. Megarider ticket).

They are paid from the bursary fund every four weeks.

07 Will I have to pay tuition fees for my course?

If you are accepted for an EMA or travelling expenses, you will not need to pay anything towards the fees for your course.

Will an EMA affect my benefits?

If you are a young student living with your parents on a full-time Further Education course, your family can continue to claim Child Benefit and Tax Credits up to your 20th birthday. EMAs should not affect any benefits that your household already receives for you.

For those who are in foster care or local authority care, you can receive an EMA without it affecting any other monies received.

If you are a young student in full-time education (up to Higher level) who no longer lives with your parents, you may be able to claim Income Support. You should also be able to receive an EMA without it affecting your benefit payments.

Contact your local Jobcentre Plus for more advice.

How do I apply for an EMA? Bursary/EMA application forms are sent out to all students who have accepted an offer of a place at Carnegie College. You must complete this form and return it to the Student Finance Team before you begin your studies – otherwise you will be invoiced for the full cost of your course. If you have any questions about your application, contact Customer Services on 0844 248 0115.

Please remember - it is the responsibility of each prospective student to ensure that they have secured the relevant funding PRIOR to commencing their course.

*These figures are correct at time of printing but may be subject to change. Please contact Customer Services on 0844 248 0115 for the latest, up-to-date figures of what you may be eligible to receive.

08

Full-Time Further Education Bursary

I will be 19 years or older on the date that my course starts. What financial support can I apply for?

Bursaries are means tested and awards will be assessed in line with your personal circumstances.

Whilst we offer bursary funding support to students, this support is discretionary and we cannot guarantee funding to every individual. The maximum weekly award any student could receive is ÂŁ89.07 per week.*

Can I remain on benefits and study full-time?

Some students can remain on benefit and study full-time. For example, lone parents on Income Support, whose youngest child is under 7 years of age when their course begins, should remain on their benefits while studying, and apply for fees and travelling expenses only. If you are in any doubt, speak to Jobcentre Plus before beginning your course.

Bursaries are paid into your bank account every 4 weeks on a Thursday, and are dependent upon 100% attendance and satisfactory progress on your course.

Unauthorised absences will mean that money will be deducted from your payment. Bursary payments cover any College holidays between August and June.

Those in receipt of Incapacity Benefit may be allowed to remain on benefit and study full-time, but we recommend you speak to the Department of Work and Pensions and get written confirmation of this before you start your course.

If you are able to remain on benefit and study full-time, your benefits (including Housing Benefit) should be unchanged. You should still be able to continue to receive Disability Living Allowance, if you already do so.

A Dependant Adult’s Allowance is also available. You may claim this for your partner. There are no extra allowances for children - you should ensure you are receiving all the Tax Credits you are entitled to.

Can I still apply for a bursary if I work part-time?

You can work part-time and income from your employment will not affect your bursary. However, any Working Tax Credit received as a result of your part-time employment may affect the amount of bursary, along with any child support you receive. If you receive Tax Credits, and your income changes as a result of coming to college, you will need to contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and have your Tax Credits reassessed.

How do I apply for a bursary?

Bursary/EMA application forms are sent out to all students who have accepted an offer of a place at Carnegie College. You must complete this form and return it to the Student Finance Team before you begin your studies otherwise you will be invoiced for the full cost of your course. If you have any questions about your application, contact Customer Services on 0844 248 0115.

Bursary funds are means tested to ensure that those most in need of financial assistance receive it, based on a first come first served basis.

Therefore, we recommend you apply for a bursary as soon as you receive an offer of a place, to have the best opportunity to secure funding.

Applicants who are on Jobseekers Allowance will not be able to remain on their benefits, and will normally no longer be able to receive Housing Benefit. You should sign off and apply to the College for a bursary.

Will I receive any help with my travel costs?

Students who receive a bursary will normally receive help with their travelling expenses. However, these expenses are means tested and awarded according to your household’s income.

Will I have to pay any course fees?

Students who are awarded a bursary will not have to pay any tuition fees for their course.

*These figures are correct at time of printing but may be subject to change. Please contact Customer Services on 0844 248 0115 for the latest, up-to-date figures of what you may be eligible to receive.

Full-Time Further Education

09

Additional Support Additional Financial Support Information for all Full-time Further Education Students.

Can I get any help with my childcare costs?

In addition to Bursaries and EMAs, you can also apply to the College for help with the costs of your registered childcare. This can be any nursery, after-school club or childminder. You will need to provide the College with their registration number. The College endeavours to pay registered childcare expenses for students’ timetabled hours, but this will depend upon demand. These payments are made directly to your childcare provider.

What is the Discretionary Fund?

The College has a discretionary fund to assist students with paying other expenses that are causing hardship. The main expense we contribute to is rent or mortgage payments. This is particularly useful if you have lost Housing Benefit as a result of coming to College full-time. Other “one-off” payments will be considered, and you can apply throughout the year as many times as you like, but funds are limited. Most of these payments will be made to a third party (eg. Fife Council).

To apply, please provide details on the Bursary/EMA application form or complete an Additional Financial Support form and hand it in to the Student Finance Team as soon as possible.

As a full-time student, will I need to pay Council Tax? If you are a full-time student, and live on your own or with other full-time students, you will not normally pay Council Tax. If you are a householder, but part of a couple, you should qualify for a reduction.

You will need to telephone your local council tax office after the start date of your course to request the exemption/discount.

Is there any additional support available for students with disabilities?

You should apply to the College for the Additional Support Needs for Learning Allowance. This is a bursary allowance, providing assistance with travel and study related costs.

I still need help with my application. What should I do?

To ensure that you have access to all of the funding support available, we recommend that you attend one of our Finance Workshops that run at the College throughout the summer. Email us on info@carnegiecollege.ac.uk or call Customer Services on 0844 248 0115 to reserve your place.

A simple summary of all of the above information is included in the Guide to Student Funding Table on pages 04-05 of this brochure.

10 Tuition Fees and Student Loans

Full-Time Higher Education (HNC, HND, Degree and Professional Qualifications)

What funding is available to help me pay for my full-time studies?

Core funding for your full-time course consists of tuition fees and student loans.

In addition, some students may be eligible for a number of supplementary grants and bursaries from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) – see next page for more details.

Will I have to pay any tuition fees for my course?

Most students will have their tuition fees paid on their behalf by SAAS. However, you may not qualify if you haven’t resided in the UK or Scotland for long enough, or have previously been funded for full-time study at HN or Degree level. If in doubt, please call SAAS on 0300 555 0505 for advice.

Payment of tuition fees is the decision of the SAAS and cannot be influenced by the College.

Am I eligible to apply for a student loan?

Even if SAAS will not pay your fees for your chosen course, you may still be able to receive a student loan for it. You can take out as much or as little loan as you wish, up to the maximum available to you. Student loans are often income-assessed – your parent, spouse or partner’s income will be taken into account as appropriate.

A new application needs to be made to SAAS for each year of your course.

You may apply to SAAS for tuition fees only, if you do not wish to take out any student loan.

However, you cannot apply to the College’s childcare or discretionary funds unless you take out the maximum student loan available to you.

How do I apply for tuition fees and student loans?

You must apply on-line at www.saas.gov.uk Loans and supplementary allowances are paid monthly into your bank account, on or around the 7th of each month.

When will I have to repay my student loan?

You will not start repaying your student loan until you begin earning £15,000* a year or more.

At this level of income, repayments will be small (eg. £15 per month at an income of £17,000), and will only increase as you earn more. *These figures are correct at time of printing but may be subject to change. Please contact Customer Services on 0844 248 0115 for the latest, up-to-date figures of what you may be eligible to receive.

Full-Time Higher Education

Bursaries and Supplementary Grants In addition to your tuition fees and student loan, there are a number of supplementary grants and allowances available which you may be eligible for.

Young Students’ Bursary You are eligible to apply for a Young Students’ Bursary if you are: Under 25 and supported by parents on a low income Under 25 and a lone parent Under 25, either married or living with a partner, and have a child This is a non-repayable student bursary administered by SAAS, which can replace part of the student loan. Although you do not get any more money than you would on a loan, it means you will pay back less student loan when your studies finish.

Independent Students’ Bursary (ISB) As a general rule, you are eligible to apply for this award if you are: Over 25 Under 25 and either married, in a civil-partnership, or living with a partner The ISB means that part of your student loan would be made into a non-repayable bursary administered

by SAAS, which then reduces the amount of loan to be repaid at the end of your studies. The ISB is means-tested, and will have a maximum value of £1,000*, depending on the income of any spouse or partner.

11 Other supplementary grants SAAS offer additional non-repayable grants to help students with their living costs, which you may be eligible for depending on your individual circumstances. You should apply for any of these grants at the same time as you make your application for fees and student loan, by ticking the appropriate boxes on the application form.

Dependants’ Grant You can claim up to £2,640* for your spouse or civil partner, but only if they have no income of their own. Any income they do have will reduce or remove this allowance.

The Dependants’ Grant is not paid for children, but you may be entitled to more money through tax credits. You should contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on 0845 300 3900 to discuss your individual circumstances.

Lone Parents’ Grant Up to £1,305* is available if you are single, divorced, separated or widowed and responsible for bringing up a child. As a lone parent on a full-time Higher Education course, you could also claim up to £1,215 towards the cost of your registered childcare expenses. From 2011/12, you should apply directly to the College for this Lone Parent Childcare Grant.

Disabled Students’ Allowance This helps with the cost of any additional expenses incurred as a result of disabilities. It is usually in the form of equipment or payment to individuals (eg. signers for deaf people). *These figures are correct at time of printing but may be subject to change. Please contact Customer Services on 0844 248 0115 for the latest, up-to-date figures of what you may be eligible to receive.

12 Additional Financial Support

Full-Time Higher Education

Can I claim any help with my travel expenses?

From 2011/12, an element for travel expenses will be included within the student loan award: the income-assessed student loan award will be increased by £350 to include the travel allowance.

Is there any support available for childcare costs?

You may apply to the College for help with your registered childcare. This can be any nursery, after-school club or childminder, but you will need to provide the College with their registration number. At Higher Education level, funding is more limited than for Further Education students, but the College endeavours to pay as much childcare as possible for each student.

What is the Discretionary Fund?

The College also has a discretionary fund to assist students with paying for other expenses that are causing hardship. The main expense we contribute to is rent or mortgage payments. This is particularly useful if you have lost Housing Benefit as a result of coming to College full-time. Other “one-off” payments will be considered, and you can apply throughout the year as many times as you like, but funds are limited. Most of these payments will be made to a third party (eg. Fife Council).

How do I apply?

To apply for childcare or discretionary funding, complete an Additional Financial Support form and hand it in to the Student Finance Team as soon as possible.

Please note that to be considered for help from these funds, you must have applied for the maximum Student Loan available to you. You should apply as early as possible in the summer to ensure that your funds are in place for the start of your course.

I have a part-time job - will this affect the amount of loan I receive?

You can work part-time while studying and this does not affect any loans and grant you receive.

However, any Working Tax Credit received as a result of your parttime employment, along with any child support you receive, may affect the amount of loan.

13 Can I remain on benefits while I study?

As a general rule, students studying on full-time Higher Education courses are not allowed to remain on benefit, and should apply for a student loan instead.

However, certain groups may be able to claim income-related benefits – for example lone parents or students with disabilities.

Contact your local Jobcentre Plus and/or your local authority’s Housing Benefit office to discuss your own personal situation.

As a full-time student, will I need to pay Council Tax? If you are a full-time student, and live on your own or with other full-time students, you will not normally pay Council Tax. If you are a householder and part of a couple, you should qualify for a reduction.

You will need to telephone your local council tax office after the start date of your course to request the exemption/discount.

I still need help with my application. What should I do?

To ensure that you have access to all of the funding support available, we recommend that you access the SAAS website (www.saas.gov.uk) or contact the College and we will be happy to post information to you.

In addition, we also offer a number of interactive workshops to support individuals applying on-line for their SAAS funding. Email us on info@ carnegiecollege.ac.uk or call Customer Services on 0844 248 0115 to reserve your place.

A simple summary of all of the above information is included in the Guide to Student Funding Table on pages 04-05 of this brochure.

*These figures are correct at time of printing but may be subject to change. Please contact Customer Services on 0844 248 0115 for the latest, up-to-date figures of what you may be eligible to receive.

14

Part-Time Studies Further and Higher Education Will I have to pay fees for my part-time studies?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for free tuition (fee waiver) for your part-time course. Students with a disability, on a low income, or in receipt of certain benefits will qualify for free tuition. You will need to provide written evidence of your entitlement (eg. Tax Credit Award Letter) when you enrol for your course. However, please be aware that regardless of your circumstances, fees for some courses must be paid in full.

Contact Customer Services on 0844 248 0115 for more information on eligible courses.

If you do have to pay towards your course, you may be able to pay in instalments. For courses costing over £100 and up to £450*, a minimum payment of 25% must be made on enrolment, with the balance payable over a maximum of three further monthly instalments.

For more information on payment options, pick up our leaflet “Guidance to Students on Payment of Fees”, available from Customer Services.

What happens if my employer is paying my fees?

You must bring to enrolment an official letter on company headed paper, stating that your employer accepts liability for your fees. The letter must state to whom and where the fee invoice is to be addressed. If your employer refuses to pay the fees due, you will be held personally liable for any outstanding fees.

Is there any help available for travel or childcare costs?

You can apply to the College for help with your registered childcare costs. This can be any nursery, after-school club or childminder, but you will need to provide the College with their registration number. You may also be eligible to receive support towards your travel expenses, and should complete the College’s Part-time Funding application form if you wish to claim any of these expenses.

What is the Discretionary Fund?

The College also has a discretionary fund to assist students with paying other expenses that are causing hardship. The main expense we contribute to is rent or mortgage payments. Other “one-off” payments will be considered, and you can apply throughout the year as many times as you like, but funds are limited. Most of these payments will be made to a third party (eg. Fife Council).

Can I study part-time and still claim benefits?

If you attend College part-time and claim benefits, you should be able to remain on your benefits, and also be eligible to apply for travelling and childcare expenses as necessary.

Is there any support available for part-time students with a disability?

If you are studying part-time for a Higher Education course (HNC, HND, Degree or Professional Qualification), then you may be eligible for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).

15 Call SAAS on 0300 555 0505, or download a copy of the DSA application form at www.saas.gov.uk Part-time Further Education students (NQ, NC and City & Guilds) should apply to the College for the Additional Support Needs for Learning Allowance. This is a bursary allowance, for travel and study related costs, available to students whose disability means they have additional personal expenditure arising from attendance at college.

Am I eligible to apply for a Parttime Fee Grant or Individual Learning Account (ILA)?

If you earn £22,000* or less, and are studying for a part-time course worth at least 40 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) credits in an academic year, you can apply for a Part-time Fee Grant, giving you up to £500 towards the cost of your studies.

Forms are available to download from the SAAS website (www.saas. gov.uk). Courses eligible for the Part-time Fee Grant, now also include a wide range of part-time postgraduate courses.

If you are not eligible for either a fee waiver or the Part-time Fee Grant, you may still be able to apply for an ILA200 worth up to £200. Again, this is dependent on your income.

Contact ILA Scotland on 0808 100 1090 for more information, and an application pack – and remember, you must apply for these part-time grants before your course starts.

A summary of all of this information is included in the Guide to Student Funding Table on pages 04-05 of this brochure.

*These figures are correct at time of printing but may be subject to change. Please contact Customer Services on 0844 248 0115 for the latest, up-to-date figures of what you may be eligible to receive.

Carnegie College, Pittsburgh Road, Dunfermline, Fife, KY11 8DY T: 0844 248 0115 W: www.carnegiecollege.ac.uk E: info@carnegiecollege.ac.uk

We aim to ensure accuracy in all our published information. However circumstances outwith our control can lead to future changes. If this has been your experience, you have our sincere apologies. Carnegie College cannot accept liability for any loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained in this information. This information does not form part of any formal contract and we reserve the right to refuse admission. Š2011 Carnegie College, All Rights Reserved Published June 2011