Funding information for undergraduate courses at Kingston University

You probably have lots of questions about exactly how your finances will work once you are studying at Kingston University. 

Find out about:

• Student finance for courses starting in 2020/21

We also have some extra funding information for:

• International students
• Disabled students
  
• Students with dependents
• EU nationals

Kingston University also offers bursaries.

Advice and guidance

Don't forget to check out our tips and advice for managing your money and read about how to pay your fees.

Disabled students

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

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.

Then what happens?

Student Finance England will arrange a needs assessment to identify the help you need. It will then allocate money for each area in which you need assistance. The help is divided into three separate areas (2020/21 figures):

• Equipment allowance: up to £5,849 in total for the course
• Non-medical helpers allowance: up to £23,258 each year (If you're part-time: up to £17,443 each year)
• Other disability-related costs: up to £1,954 each year (If you're part time: up to £1,465 each year)

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.

Postgraduates can get a single allowance of up to £20,580 a year.

Student finance for courses starting in 2020/21

Check the course pages for information relevant to the course you want to apply for/have applied for.

• When will I have to pay the fees?
• What would I be eligible for to cover my living expenses?
• Are there any scholarships or fee waivers available?
• When would I have to pay back my loans?
• I already hold an honours degree and want to do another on, can I get another student loan?
• I am from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Is my funding different?

When will I have to pay the fees?

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 £26,575 a year.

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.

What would I be eligible for to cover my living expenses?

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:

• Up to £12, 010 if you live away from home and study at a university in London, such as Kingston.
• Up to £7,529 if you live with your parents while studying.
• Up to £9,203 if you live away from home and your course is not based in Greater London.

You can find more information about loans and how to apply at Student Finance England.

Are there any bursaries or fee waivers available?

Read more about our bursaries.

When do I have to pay back my loans?

The earnings threshold at which student loans become repayable is £26,575 per year, £2,214 a month or £511 a week. You become liable to start repaying the loans after the April after you complete your course. If you earn less than £26,575 you will not be liable to make any repayments.

Once you are required to make repayments, you will pay 9% of the earnings above £26,575 - so a graduate earning £30,000 per year will be liable to pay £291.87 over the year, or £24.30 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 £26,575 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.

I already hold an honours degree and want to do another one, can I get another student loan?

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.

I am from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Is my funding different?

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:

• Student Finance Wales
• Student Finance Northern Ireland
• Student Awards Agency Scotland