Student Finance Flintshire

Student Finance Wales administers financial support to eligible students from Flintshire pursuing higher education. This support comes in the form of grants and loans designed to help cover tuition fees and living costs during university or college.

The primary funding components are:

• Tuition Fee Loan: This covers the full cost of tuition fees, meaning students from Flintshire don’t have to pay these upfront. The loan amount is paid directly to the university or college. Eligibility isn’t income-based.
• Maintenance Loan: This helps with living costs, such as accommodation, food, and travel. The amount you can borrow depends on your household income and where you study. Students living at home usually receive a lower maintenance loan than those living away from home, with London-based students receiving the highest amount.
• Welsh Government Learning Grant: This is a non-repayable grant aimed at supporting living costs. Like the Maintenance Loan, the amount awarded depends on household income and where you study. Importantly, receiving a Welsh Government Learning Grant may reduce the amount of Maintenance Loan you’re eligible for.

Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for Student Finance Wales, students must generally be:

• Ordinarily resident in Wales on the first day of the first academic year of their course. ‘Ordinarily resident’ typically means you must have been living in Wales for at least three years prior to starting your course.
• Studying an eligible course at a recognised university or college.
• A UK national or have settled status. There are different rules for EU and other international students.

Application Process: Applications are made online through the Student Finance Wales website. It’s crucial to apply early, even if you haven’t finalised your university choice, to ensure funds are available at the start of your course. You’ll need to provide details about your course, university, and household income. Parents or guardians will also need to provide financial information to support your application.

Repaying Your Loan: Repayments start the April after you graduate and are earning over a certain threshold. The repayment amount is a percentage of your income above the threshold, not a fixed monthly payment. If your income falls below the threshold, repayments stop. Outstanding loans are usually written off after a specific period, regardless of whether they’ve been fully repaid. The specific repayment plan and threshold depend on when you started your course.

Additional Support: Students facing financial hardship during their studies can also explore hardship funds offered by their university or college. These funds provide additional support to students facing unexpected costs or financial difficulties. Furthermore, students from Flintshire with disabilities may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) to help cover the extra costs of studying.

It’s recommended that prospective students from Flintshire research Student Finance Wales thoroughly and apply early to ensure they receive the financial support they’re entitled to. The Student Finance Wales website offers comprehensive information and guidance on the application process, eligibility criteria, and repayment terms.