Costs of Higher Education

The cost of higher education is increasing. You'll probably want to look at the financial side of things very carefully when you are thinking about the benefits of studying after Year 13.

How much are higher education courses going to cost from 2012?

Most universities have said that they will charge £9000 a year for all their courses. However, depending on a person's financial background and depending on the grades received, some universities are offering select students very good incentives to encourage them to attend. Other students will usually be eligible for loans and additional financial help.

Although the numbers are still quite small, more and more students are choosing to work and study for a higher education qualification at the same time via distance learning - see Open University for more information. You need to be focussed and self motivated to study in this way.

Other expenses

As well as the cost of studying, your biggest expense will be living costs (accommodation, food, transport etc.). If you choose to take a year out of education (a Gap Year) to travel or to volunteer abroad, you will also need to think about financing that.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering the cost of higher education:

Will going to a particular institution improve my chances of getting the job that I want?
Will taking a particular course improve my chances or can I take a cheaper course and still get there?
How many opportunities are there in the job I want to do?
If I take a year out (Gap year) to work, will I really save money?
Is there anything I can do that will mean the overall costs are lower (such as learn to cook, give up smoking, study closer to home, get a bicycle)?

What next?

Look at our Financial help section to discover what money might be available to support you with the costs of entering into higher education.