If you wish to stay in employment while you study, there are part-time and flexible courses available. For full-time students, you may be entitled to financial help if you have children or other dependants.
For student finance options from the government, there are student loans you can apply for. If you are over 25 when you start your course, you’ll automatically be classed as an ‘independent’ student. However, if you’re under 25 and are married or have care of a child, you are also classed as ‘independent’. Go to the DirectGov website to find out more about student funding.
Income assessment for full-time students
All full-time students are entitled to some basic level of financial help, but the amount you receive is based on your household income. If you apply for the ‘income assessed’ part of the student finance package, Student Finance England (or your local authority) will carry out an assessment to see how much you get. Go to the DirectGov website to find out more.