Any other single parents studying for degree p/t?

[acceptableinthe80s]

Just wondering if anyone knows the financial implications? I work p/t and claim tax credits and have just applied for a part time degree course. Am in Scotland so course fully funded. Does studying p/t affect any benefits?
TIA

[JeniBernard]

I know that funding changed radically at the beginning of this academic year. I myself studied full time because there was no funding for grants to part time students at the time I started in 2010. The direct.gov site has a link to student finance page... there is a handy calculator on there that will help you out (and is pretty accurate if you include all your info) OTHERWISE.... I'd say speak to the uni. Mine has an excellent support and advice service especially re. money matters and they have helped me discover a wealth of bursaries and grants I wouldn't have known existed. Its not easy, but there's ways and means around these things. Go for it and good luck to you......... but also be warned student finance are the devil and like me you don't fit into their tickbox of 'normal student' which they can't cope with... and May and September (end and start of academic year) can be horrendous to get your finances sorted out! :)

[acceptableinthe80s]

Thanks Jeni, I' ll take a look at that website. The uni website has lots of info re grants etc. Just want to make sure I'm not going to be worse off!

[SouthernComforts]

Me! But in England. I'm in the same situation as you, I'm only eligible for the tuition fee loan. Nothing else. I've bought a laptop, Microsoft Office, stationary etc out of my own money . The main issue for me is attending the day schools, they are on w Saturday which is my main working day :(

[MummyDuckAndDuckling]

Hello, I'm in Scotland and studying through the open uni. I work part time and just going back to part time this October. The finance has all changed with the ou for new students, I started before I had dd so I've not had to pay anything. Not sure how it would work now. They are very helpful over the phone!

[alphabetti]

I'm a part time student and also work 20hours per week. I am a line parent to 2 children so receive working and child tax credits, housing benefit and council tax benefit. I get my fees paid by student finance England and also receive a grant of £260 a year to cover books and petrol. You can download the form from student finance England website but think it only becomes available August time. When u enter your 2nd year the form automatically gets emailed to you.

I am unable to receive a student loan but was given a access to learning fund grant from my uni, that was 2 payments of £120. None of which has to be paid back. Unfortunately my laptop has just died so I am just surviving without one at no as cannot afford to replace it. I have to either use my mums at her house or go to uni early or on a Saturday. I have a meeting with a finance advisor at uni next week to see if I am able to be given any further financial help.

It is difficult putting yourself through a degree but will be well worth it in end so if you go part time you may get your fees paid too.