Hertfordshire County Council, like all local authorities in England, doesn’t directly provide student finance in the form of tuition fee loans or maintenance loans. These are handled by Student Finance England (SFE), a national government agency. However, Hertfordshire County Council does play a supporting role for students in higher education, particularly those with specific needs.
Student Finance England (SFE) is the primary provider:
Students ordinarily resident in Hertfordshire apply to SFE for:
- Tuition Fee Loans: Covers the full cost of tuition fees at eligible universities and colleges.
- Maintenance Loans: Helps with living costs while studying. The amount you can borrow depends on your household income and where you study (e.g., living at home, away from home outside of London, or in London).
The application process is entirely online via the Gov.uk website. Students typically apply in the spring before the academic year they plan to start. SFE assesses applications based on various factors, including parental income (if applicable), age, and course details.
How Hertfordshire County Council can help:
While not directly funding tuition or maintenance, Hertfordshire County Council can offer support in the following ways:
- Information and Advice: The council’s website might provide links to relevant SFE information, guidance on applying for student finance, and details about other financial support available to students. This may be found under education or young people sections.
- Care Leavers: Hertfordshire County Council has a specific responsibility to support care leavers entering higher education. This support can include financial assistance beyond what SFE provides, such as help with accommodation, travel, and course materials. Contact your social worker or the leaving care team for specific details.
- Students with Disabilities: While Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are provided by SFE, Hertfordshire County Council may offer complementary support services or signposting to local organizations that can assist students with disabilities in accessing higher education.
- Adult Education Budget (AEB): The County Council manages the AEB. While primarily focused on further education, some adult learners may be eligible for support depending on their circumstances and the course they are taking. This might indirectly support progression into higher education for some individuals.
- Council Tax Exemption: Full-time students are usually exempt from paying council tax. You’ll need to provide proof of your student status to the council to claim this exemption.
Important Considerations:
- Check the SFE Website First: The Student Finance England website (Gov.uk) is your first point of contact for all student finance inquiries.
- Early Application is Key: Apply for student finance as early as possible to ensure your funding is in place before your course starts.
- Contact the Council Directly: If you’re a care leaver or have specific circumstances, contact Hertfordshire County Council’s relevant department (e.g., Children’s Services, Adult Care Services) to discuss your needs.
- Explore University Bursaries and Scholarships: Many universities offer their own bursaries and scholarships. Research these opportunities when applying to universities.