Money and 18+ Learning

Money and 18+ Learning - university or an Apprenticeship?

Want to know about money for higher education?

Student finance for higher education will change from September 2012. Universities will charge fees for new full-time students of up to £9,00 a year. Some universities will charge less but remember that you or your parents won't have to pay up front - there are loans and grants to cover the cost of your tuition as well as living expenses.

Find out more and apply for student loans on the student finance website

There is extra help on offer if you have special circumstances - for example students with a disability, a mental health condition, specific learning difficulty or who have childcare or adult caring responsibilities. Find out more at Direct.gov

If you are from a lower income family (less that £25,000 per year) you may get help through the National Scholarship Programme. Each university will decide what they'll offer, so you'll need to check once you have a good idea where you want to study.

What about Apprentieships at age 18?

There is an Apprenticeship Minimum Wage of £2.60 per hour (from October 2011) for all apprentices aged under 19 or who are older but still in the first year of an Apprenticeship.

However, you'll find that some employers will pay more than the legal minimum, especially after the first year.

The Apprenticeships website will answer all your questions about money and Apprenticeships