Welsh Students starting in 2012-13
Where do I apply for funding?
If you were normally living in Wales prior to the starting your course, you need to apply to Student Finance Wales for funding. You can apply by logging in and using the online application or download a hard copy of the PN1 form. Deadlines are given to encourage you to apply in good time. However, you have until the end of May of the academic year you are studying in to apply. Eligibility for funding may be affected by periods of residency outside the UK or any time spent on previous study in higher education (e.g. HND, Degree). If this applies to you check the rules on eligibility via the above website or to contact a Student Adviser.
What financial support is available to help with tuition fees?
Tuition Fee Loans are available to cover the fees you are charged. Tuition fee loans are paid directly to the University by the Student Loans Company and repaid from the April after you leave and when you are earning over £21,000 a year. All eligible students can take out a tuition fee loan as it is not means tested. The new repayment system for students starting in 2012 begins in April 2016.
A New Tuition Fee Grant will be available for Welsh domiciled students who will need to pay the first £3,465 of their fees, for which you can take out a Tuition Fee Loan. The tuition fee grant will cover the remaining fees, i.e., the difference between £3,465 and the full fee being charged by the University. The tuition fee grant will be paid directly to the university that you attend, will not be means tested and is not repayable. Please note that we await news on whether students will be able to pay their fees upfront. The fees for 2012/13 will be £9000.
What about funding for living costs and other course expenses?
All students, if eligible, can apply for a Maintenance Loan and depending on the level of household income some students may also be eligible for a Assembly Learning Grant (ALG). Please see the table for an idea of the level of support you may receive depending on your household income.
| Household income | Assembly Learning Grant (ALG) | Maintenance Loan (living away from home rate) | Amount for living costs |
| Under £18,370 | £5,000 | £1901 | £6901 |
| £20,000 | £4568 | £2005 | £6573 |
| £25,000 | £3242 | £2800 | £6042 |
| £30,000 | £2033 | £3526 | £5559 |
| £34,000 | £1106 | £4082 | £5188 |
| £40,000 | £711 | £4319 | £5030 |
| £50,020 | £50 | £4715 | £4765 |
| £50,778 | £0 | £4745 | £4745 |
| £55,000 | £0 | £3901 | £3901 |
| £56,708* | £0 | £3559** | £3559** |
*this is the level of income at which entitlement to 75%** of the loan is available. It is not income assessed therefore, if eligible, this is the minimum you should be able to receive.
Are there any other additional grants available?
Yes, there are extra grants available depending on your circumstances, for example Childcare Grant, Parent’s Learning Allowance and Adult Dependents Grant. These cover study costs, adult dependants and childcare and are means tested. You apply for these on the PN1 form with the rest of your student funding from your Local Education Authority.
There are also Disabled Student Allowances*** which are not means-tested and provide funding for extra costs incurred due to a disability or specific learning need. Contact the Disability and Dyslexia Service here for more details (029 2087 4844).
The University has a number of funding schemes for new starters e.g. bursaries and scholarships