Money matters
This page explains how the fees work, and what financial help you can apply for
The good news is that if you are a full-time UK or EU student, you won’t have to pay any fees up front and you will probably be able to get some financial help.
On average, graduates earn more and your salary rises more than those who don’t go to university — so though you start paying your loans back after you graduate, a university education is a sound investment.
You will have two main costs to meet:
- Tuition fees (the University's costs, including teaching and facilities)
- Living expenses (also called 'maintenance,' which covers accommodation, food, travel, etc)
You may not have to pay all or any of these costs. Sources of financial help that you can apply for include:
- A student loan for tuition fees (money you borrow from the Student Loans Company, which is paid direct to your chosen University. You pay it back after graduating)
- A student loan for living expenses (borrowed from the Student Loans Company, which you pay back after graduating)
- A grant or bursary (you don't have to pay this back at all)
UK Students can apply for all of these.
Tuition fees and student loans
Full-time UK/EU students
London Metropolitan University charges £3,290 a year†† for all Foundation and Undergraduate Degrees, in line with almost all other UK universities. Some students qualify for bursaries to help pay for some or all of this amount.
Student loans (for tuition fees)
If you are a UK student, you can apply for a fee loan to cover the exact amount of your tuition fees. The loan money is paid directly to London Met†. You only start paying back this money the April after you have graduated and when you are earning above £15,000.
Student loans (for living expenses)
UK students can also apply for a student loan to help cover their living expenses. Students living in London are entitled to the largest sum. You can apply for around £2,620 to £6,315 a year. A quarter of this loan is means-tested†.
| "Come and see us for advice throughout your time here at London Met, or after you finish!" Alice and Sam, Careers Advisers |
Paying back these loans
You don’t pay anything back until you earn over £15,000 pa after graduating. Then you pay back what you borrowed, at a rate of 9% on earnings over £15,000. For example, if you earn £20,000 per year you pay about £37 per month.
The interest charged is the same as the rate of inflation, so in real terms it does not increase even if you do not start to pay it back immediately. For those who enter repayment in April 2012 or later, there is the option of a repayment holiday for up to five years at a time of your choice.
Part-time UK/EU students
If you are a part-time student, you are charged a per-module tuition fee, which you must pay when you enrol. The fee for 2010/11 is around £325 per module for all Foundation Degrees, Undergraduate Degrees and Preparatory awards*. Some UK/EU students may receive help paying tuition fees†.
International students (from outside the EU)
You pay full tuition fees if you have or you need a student visa to study in the UK. London Met’s tuition fees for 2010/11 are around £9,600 a year for all Foundation Degrees and Undergraduate Degrees* for international students. See www.londonmet.ac.uk/international for more information.
We also award a small number of scholarships to international students.
See www.londonmet.ac.uk/scholarships for more information.
Grants and Bursaries
| "Around half of all new full-time students are likely to be eligible for a full or partial grant" - Aim Higher booklet, Department for Education and Skills |
Full-time UK students
The Government can give you a Maintenance Grant or a Student Support Grant of up to £2,700 a year if you can show you are from a low-income family. This grant money is paid to you in three instalments - one at the start of each term.
How do I know if I'm entitled to a grant?
| Family earns £15,000 or less | Likely to be awarded full grant (£2,700) |
| Family earns between £15,000 and £33,000 | Likely to be awarded partial grant (sliding scale) |
| Students with disabilities | Additional help available |
| Students with children/other dependants | Additional help available |
Contact your Local Authority (LA) or see www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance to find out more. Additional grants are available for some students with disabilities, single parents and those with adult dependents†.
Part-time students
If you are a part-time student from a lower income household, you can apply for grants towards your fees (UK/EU students). UK students can also apply for grants for living expenses, and help from the Access to Learning Fund if you have children/dependents†.
Bursaries
Bursaries and other sources of financial support are also available from the University - see www.londonmet.ac.uk/tuitionfees for the latest details.
Further advice
How do I budget to live in London?
The first week of term can be expensive — so budget for this, and then try to work out what you need to spend each week and stick to it. There are plenty of student discounts and offers about — so make sure you check these out. The University can also help you find part-time work.
How and when do I apply for financial help?
First you need to apply for a place at London Met. You can then start applying for financial help. If you are a full-time UK student, your Local Authority (LA) or careers teacher will have forms available from March. Most UK students apply for all financial support through their LA.
Contact details
Admissions Office
Tel: 020 7133 4200
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk
www.londonmet.ac.uk/tuitionfees
Useful links
www.aimhigher.ac.uk/student_finance (advice and support)
www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance (includes all student finance information including online applications, calculators and links to Local Authorities)
www.londonmet.ac.uk/advice (the University site for information on funding for all students)
www.uniaid.org.uk (advice)
* Except for the International Foundation Programme
† To find out more about loans and grants go to www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance or www.londonmet.ac.uk/advice
These sites also cover support for EU/EEA students.
†† Based on 2010/11 fees. Please check with Admissions to confirm
