Wales 2013/14 - student fees and grants

National student fee

1st cycle full time – fees are set by institutions but capped at a maximum of GBP 9 000 for institutions with an approved tuition fee plan to promote fair access and GBP 4 000 for institutions without a plan. Students are not required to pay up front and can apply for a fee grant of up to GBP 5 425 and a fee loan of up to GBP 3 575 to cover the full tuition fee. The ‘most common amount’ shown represents the repayable fee of GBP 3 575. Loan repayments are income-contingent, and made at the rate of 9 % of income above the threshold of GBP 21 000. These fees apply to students from all parts of the UK but the fee grant is only available to students from Wales.

1st cycle part-time – fees are unregulated.

2nd cycle – fees are unregulated. The ‘most common’ fee (GBP 3 900) represents an indicative amount for doctoral research programmes (which may incorporate masters level study) set by the Research Councils and used as a guide by many institutions. Actual fees charged vary widely, particularly for taught programmes.

1st and 2nd cycle international students – fees are unregulated.

Student grants

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a need based grant for living costs. The maximum is GBP 5 161 (for students with a household income of GBP 18 370 or less). In 2012/13, 38 % of applicants were awarded a full grant and 30 % were awarded a partial grant. Students who are lone parents or who have certain disabilities may be eligible for a special support grant.

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a loan for living costs for all students. The maximum loan for students living in the family home is GBP 5 150 and GBP 3 987 for students living away. The amount is reduced for students who receive a need based grant. Repayments as for tuition fee loans.

1st cycle full-time – students who receive the maximum grant for living costs or special support grant and who study at participating institutions may receive an additional bursary of a minimum of GBP 347.

1st cycle part-time – a need-based grant for tuition fees and other costs is available. Loans are not available.

2nd cycle – with the exception of a few specific disciplines, such as teaching, social work and some health professions, the majority of students following taught programmes are self-financing. There is some support for students on doctoral research programmes (which may incorporate masters level study). The Research Councils set a minimum level for this stipend which for 2013/14 is GBP 13 726 per year.

Around 60 % of students on taught programmes and 30 % of research students do not receive any support towards tuition fees or living costs.

Loans

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a need based grant for living costs. The maximum is GBP 5 161 (for students with a household income of GBP 18 370 or less). In 2012/13, 38 % of applicants were awarded a full grant and 30 % were awarded a partial grant. Students who are lone parents or who have certain disabilities may be eligible for a special support grant.

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a loan for living costs for all students. The maximum loan for students living in the family home is GBP 5 150 and GBP 3 987 for students living away. The amount is reduced for students who receive a need based grant. Repayments as for tuition fee loans.

1st cycle full-time – students who receive the maximum grant for living costs or special support grant and who study at participating institutions may receive an additional bursary of a minimum of GBP 347.

1st cycle part-time – a need-based grant for tuition fees and other costs is available. Loans are not available.

2nd cycle – with the exception of a few specific disciplines, such as teaching, social work and some health professions, the majority of students following taught programmes are self-financing. There is some support for students on doctoral research programmes (which may incorporate masters level study). The Research Councils set a minimum level for this stipend which for 2013/14 is GBP 13 726 per year.

Around 60 % of students on taught programmes and 30 % of research students do not receive any support towards tuition fees or living costs.

Tax benefit for student's parents

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances do not play a role in the student support system.

Family allowances

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances do not play a role in the student support system.