[BNM] [OT] University funding for single mums

[Catherine Pope]

Hello Mike

Alas, improving oneself is an expensive business.  I think my MA is
costing around £2,500pa and it tends to increase.  Believe or not,
those costs are actually subsidised.  There is now a new ruling which
means that it you already have, for example, an MSc and then want to
go back and pursue a lower qualification, you have to pay the full
whack.

As Wayne says, there should be somebody at the university who can
advise on bursaries, hardship funds, and other awards.  Also, if she's
a full-time student, she will pay reduced Council Tax.  If she's
studying for a vocational qualification, she might be able to get a
loan at a very favourable rate.  Another possibility is seeking
sponsorship from a potential future employer, on the understanding
that she'll do some work for them during the holidays.  Professional
bodies, where appropriate, might also be able to advise on creative
solutions.

Let me know if the place happens to be at Brighton University; my
partner works there and might have some insight.

Best wishes

Catherine

2008/8/1 Mike Cowling <mikethecow at googlemail.com>:
> Hi Listers
>
> Does anyone know of any bodies/strategies to get funding to do a degree as a
> single parent? My girlfriend has got a university place but has been told
> that she has to pay all her tuition/admin fees for the first term/year
> amounting to about £1600, which she simply doesn't have. She hasn't been to
> university before - maybe i'm hopelessly naive but i thought higher
> education was free?
>
> Any advice greatly appreciated
>
> Mike