Funding for language students on your year abroad
Students attending a year abroad as part of a language or other course are entitled to a different support package. Here is an outline of the funding and suppprt you may be entitled to. For more detailed guidance based on your specific circumstances, please contact Student Advice on 0151 904 6056/6057 or email studentadvice@ljmu.ac.uk
Will I be charged a tuition fee?
Your tuition fee is dependant on where you are studying during your year abroad.
- If you spend the entire year within the EU at an Erasmus institution you do NOT have to pay any fees.
- If you spend the year or part of the year either outside the EU or not at an Erasmus institution a reduced fee is charged - for 2011/2012 this will be £680.
Can I apply for Tuition Fee Loan?
You can apply for a loan to cover your tuition fees by logging onto www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
Will I still get a maintenance loan?
During your year abroad you are eligible for a higher rate of Maintenance Loan aimed at students that study overseas. This loan will be paid to you in three instalments. In the 2012/13 academic year the maximum loan is £5,895 - a proportion of this loan is means tested. You can have the first instalment of your loan up to 25 working days before the start of the first term. Check if LJMU has told the Student Loans Company (SLC) the actual date you will be starting your studies.
Can I apply for a maintenance grant?
During your year abroad you can apply for the same funding as you have in previous years - this includes a grant subject to means testing.
Will I still get the LJMU bursary?
Due to the reduced or nil tuition fees charged on your year abroad, you will not be eligible for a LJMU bursary.
Can I claim for grants for my dependants?
Students with an adult dependant can claim for grants for their adult dependant during their year abroad. However, you will not generally be eligible for any help with childcare costs as childcare abroad is not registered with OFSTED. The only qualifying childcare outside the UK is childcare registered with the Ministry of Defence.
Is there any help with travel costs?
You can apply for help with your travel costs (normally three trips per year) if you are studying abroad. You are liable for the first £303, but can claim any reasonable costs you incur above this threshold. If you have caring responsibilities for a child and have to take them with you then you can also claim for their travel costs. You will need to submit receipts to yoru funding body to claim this money back.
Will I get Erasmus funding?
You may be eligible for additional funding via the Erasmus program. Further information is available on the Erasmus Programme web pages: www.ljmu.ac.uk/Development_Funding/115583.htm
Is there any help with medical expenses?
If you need to take out health insurance then you may be able to apply for assistance with this when you apply for your student funding. Submit your receipts to your funding body when you claim your travel costs.
UK residents should apply for your European Heath Insurance Card (EHIC). Should you require necessary medical treatment, the EHIC will allow you access to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country you are visiting at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge. Applying for the card is free and it's valid for up to five years. For further information and how to apply visit: http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1073.aspx?categoryid=68&subcategoryid=159
Can I get the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)?
During placement years or years abroad you remain eligible for DSA. However, the support you may get could vary from what you would receive while studying at LJMU. Contact the Disability Team for more information email disability@ljmu.ac.uk
What other funding can I apply for?
You may be able to get assistance from the Access to Learning Fund (ALF). This money is normally non repayable and is targeted assistance for students in hardship who may find it difficult to support themselves.
Contact the Student Advice Team for more information: email studentadvice@ljmu.ac.uk
