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The Student Money Service
University of Bath
Bath BA2 7AY
Enquiries
Tel: +44 (0) 1225 386968
Fax: +44 (0) 1225 383904 | Email
Sue Dors, Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 1225 386744 | Email
Sue Garrett, Student Admissions and Funding Adviser
Tel: +44 (0) 1225 383387 | Email
Lindsey Hobbs, Student Money Adviser
Tel: +44 (0) 1225 383879 | Email
Elaine Jones, Student Money Adviser
Tel: +44 (0) 1225 383562 | Email
Opening hours:
10am to 4.30pm – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
10am to 1pm – Wednesday
Appointments can be made outside these times; please contact the Student Money Service through the enquiries line to do this.
The Student Money Advisers provide professional financial advice and assistance to all students. The Service can help in financial planning and provides a debt advice service.
Securing funding for a postgraduate course can be quite challenging and labour intensive. It is therefore vital that all prospective students ensure that, before commencing a programme, they have sufficient funds in place to cover tuition fees and general living costs for the duration of their studies (including writing-up periods). They are strongly urged to contact Student Money before they commit themselves to their programme of study to ensure that they have adequate financial resources. Various guide budgets are available on the Student Money website.
If a student loan was taken out during undergraduate study and has not been repaid, it is essential that the Student Loan Company is notified of the change in circumstances (i.e. full time student, reduction in earnings) and the loan is deferred correctly. If this is not done and the loan goes into default there could be serious repercussions with personal credit rating affected.
Access to Learning Fund (ALF)
This fund, administered by Student Money, was established by the government for UK students to assist those who otherwise would not be able to enter or continue on a course of full-time or part-time study. It is intended only as a supplement to funds received from other sources, is limited and cannot replace sponsorship or research grants. It is not meant to be a substitute for core funding. If you feel that you have a case for support, please contact one of the Advisers.
University of Bath Hardship Fund
The Fund helps international students and those UK students who are not eligible for assistance from the Access to Learning Fund. The Fund is intended as a last resort and is not an alternative to proper funding mechanisms. Awards are made to students whose circumstances have changed unexpectedly since the commencement of their course. Resources are small and students can expect only limited assistance. Funding will only be given to allow a student to complete the current semester/ year of study. International students who, despite advice to the contrary, bring their families with them and consequently have a shortfall in funding, are not eligible to apply to the fund.
Help from banks
Some high-street banks have their own loan schemes for graduates and these should be investigated carefully to ensure that a loan is taken up that is most suitable to your personal situation. Students should be aware that repayments to these loans could commence whilst still studying and should therefore ensure their budgets include this additional cost.
Benefits
Most full-time students are not eligible for any state benefits. There are exceptions, e.g. lone parents and some students with disabilities. Non-student partners may also claim benefit. Overseas Students and their families are not permitted recourse to public funds while they are studying in the UK. However, full-time students who are on a course lasting more than six months are eligible for the benefits of the National Health Service, as are their spouses and children. Children of school age are entitled to free state education. Overseas students and/or their spouses are not eligible to claim Child Benefit.
Employment
Students should not assume that they will be able to supplement their income by working The amount of part-time work that a postgraduate student can undertake is largely determined by the course. It is advisable to discuss with the department in which you are proposing to study the feasibility of having a part-time job, furthermore some research councils lay down restrictions on the hours a student should work. If you are the citizen of an EU country you are allowed to work in the UK without obtaining permission. Restrictions apply to Overseas students who wish to undertake work during their period of study and they must seek the advice of the International Office before coming to the University. The JobLink service provided by the Students’ Union advertises jobs suitable for students, these jobs comply with the JobLink code of practice as they are within the recommended number of working hours per week and are paid in accordance with the minimum wage regulations.
Council Tax
If everyone in your property is a full-time student, the property will be exempt from Council Tax. As soon as one person is a non-full-time student the property becomes liable for 75% of the full amount. If more than one person is a non-full-time student the property becomes liable for the full 100% of Council Tax. The situation can be very complex, especially as students are prone to move around more than most. If in doubt, talk through the situation with the Academic and Welfare Centre in the Students’ Union. The Registry Enquiries Office can provide a letter confirming your student status.
Further information about funding postgraduate study is given in 'Financial support for postgraduate study at the University of Bath'.