Students who are under 25 and single will be assessed on their own and their parents' income. New full time undergraduates whose residual family income is between 17,805 and approximately 28,000 will have to contribute towards their tuition fees on a sliding scale up to a maximum of 1,050 per academic year. The contribution scales are different to the parental scales. The mandatory maintenance grant was phased out for new students who started their course from September 1998. The amount of repayment depends on the student's income after graduation.
Interest rates remain linked to the rate of inflation.
No set years of repayment will apply, as currently is the case with pre-98 'mortgage style' student loans. Since September 1999 new and existing undergraduate students on low income may be eligible for a tuition fee waiver. Loans for Study Costs - From September 2000, new and existing students on low income may be eligible for a loan of up to 500 a year to help with study costs. Disabled Students Allowances - From September 2000, new and existing students may also be eligible for a DSA to meet additional costs of study specifically relating to their disabilities. Full and part-time postgraduates are also eligible for DSAs from September 2000.