You probably have lots of questions about exactly how your finances will work once you are studying at Kingston University.
We also have some extra funding information for:
Kingston University also offers bursaries – find out more.
Don't forget to check out our tips and advice for managing your money and read about how to pay your fees.
Part-time students who have not studied at university level before will be able to apply for a tuition loan and a loan for living costs. The maximum tuition loan that is available in 2018/19 is £6,935. The maximum loan for living costs is determined by the intensity of study - as a guide a student studying 50 per cent of the full-time equivalent course can receive up to £5,677 if studying in London and not living in the parental home.
Note: if you are repeating modules from your full-time course and applying for a student loan, you are still considered as a full-time student for this purpose. You are repeating modules from a full-time course and you should therefore apply as a full-time student.
Your entitlement to benefits may be affected when you're studying on a part-time course (NB: this does not apply if you're repeating part of a full-time course on a part-time basis). For more information please contact a Student Life Adviser.
International students are not eligible for loans or grants from the British Government. You must arrange funding for your course before you arrive. This is because you'll only be granted a visa to enter the UK if you can prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your time studying here.
Kingston University offers a number of scholarships for international students, plus bursaries for alumni and their families.
The British Government offers a limited number of awards to international students through the British Council.
Find out more about scholarships for international students >
You can apply for a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) before you start your course. Student Finance England (or equivalent) can give you more details. If you're a part-time student and are attending at least 50% of the full-time course, you can apply for a pro-rata DSA.
Read more about the DSA and how to apply.
Student Finance England will arrange a disability assessment to identify the help you need. It will then allocate money for each area that you're having financial difficulties with. The help is divided into three separate areas:
The Student Loans Company will make DSA payments either into your bank account or directly to the supplier of the equipment/services you need. If you are recommended computer equipment, the University will be able to assist with the £200 contribution you need to pay. Make sure that you keep your receipt so we can reimburse you once you have enrolled on your course.
You apply for the following at the same time as applying for your tuition fee and maintenance loans:
If you're not already receiving them, you apply for tax credits through HM Revenue & Customs.
Check the course pages for information relevant to the course you want to apply for/have applied for.
Eligible students who are studying for their first undergraduate degree will not have to pay these fees up front. A loan is available from the Government to cover the cost of tuition so you don't have to find the money to pay your tuition costs before or while you are studying. You won't have to start repaying the loan until you are earning more than £25,000 a year.
The loan is also available to European Union students and part-time students studying at least 25% (30 credits) per year. However, if you already hold an honours degree, or another qualification at the same level, regardless of how you funded it or where in the world you undertook the qualification, you will not qualify for this loan.
There will be a loan for living costs to help with expenses such as accommodation, travel, books and course materials and food. There are three different rates of loan:
You can find more information about loans and how to apply at Student Finance England.
Read more about our bursaries.
The earnings threshold at which student loans become repayable is £25,000 per year. You become liable to start repaying the loans after the April after you complete your course. If you earn less than £25,000 you will not be liable to make any repayments.
Once you are required to make repayments, you will pay 9% of the earnings above £25,000 – so a graduate earning £30,000 per year will be liable to pay £450 over the year, or £37.50 a month. The rate of interest charged on the loans when they are being repaid will also increase as graduate earnings increase. A graduate earning less than the repayment threshold of £25,000 will be charged interest equivalent to the rate of inflation. Graduates with a higher income will be charged a higher rate of interest on a sliding scale, up to a maximum level of inflation plus 3%. Loans are repaid over a maximum period of 30 years.
You will be liable to pay the same level of tuition fees but you will not qualify for loans for either fees or living costs or for a Kingston Bursary.
All eligible students will be able to apply for a tuition fee loan but the package of student finance for living costs does differ if you are from another part of the UK. Please visit the relevant website for more information:
Updated 21 December 2017
Funding support for EU students applying for university places in the 2018/2019 academic year has been confirmed by the UK government.
| Undergraduate student loans – key facts* | |
|---|---|
| What? |
Tuition fee loans and are available for undergraduate degrees in eligible subjects to cover the cost of tuition fees and help with living costs. These loans are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). EU students may be eligible for maintenance loans if they have been living in the UK for five years before the start of the course. |
| How much? |
Tuition fee loan – up to £9,250** for students starting in 2018 (paid direct to the university). Maintenance loan – if eligible up to £11,354 for students starting in 2018 to help with living costs such as food, accommodation and travel (paid directly to the student). |
| Who? | Eligible EU nationals resident in the EU, EEA or Switzerland. |
| Where? | Eligible UK universities. |
| Repayment? |
9% of income over £25,000 per year. Interest is charged at Retail Price Index*** (RPI) +3% = 6.1% as of 2017/18. If you are living in the UK: Your employer will deduct repayments when your salary is the minimum amount. If you are living outside the UK: If you go abroad for more than three months you must let the SLC know and you will be required to complete an overseas income assessment form and provide your bank details so you can pay by Direct Debit. The same rules apply with overseas thresholds. |
| Restrictions? |
Applicants must be under 60 before their course commences to be eligible for the maintenance loans. Note: you still have to repay your student loan if you leave your course early. |
| How to apply? |
You can download the application forms from Student Finance England. Click here for further information.**** Note: you can apply up to nine months after the start of the academic year for your course. |
* This information is for guidance purposes and may be subject to change.
** Universities and colleges can charge different fees for undergraduate courses, up to a maximum amount of £9,250 per year which is set by the Government.
*** RPI – the Retail Price Index is a measure of UK inflation. The UK Government uses the rate of RPI to set the interest rate charged on student loans.
**** Student Finance England (SFE) is a service provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC) on behalf of the Government to students from England and the EU entering higher education in England.
For further information or if you have queries about financial support for undergraduate students, please email studentfunding@kingston.ac.uk.
.Updated 21 December 2017
Student Life Advisers
Tel: +44 (0)20 8417 7312
Student Life Advisers
Tel: +44 (0)20 8417 7312