If you are enrolling on a full-time or sandwich course of Higher Education at CAFRE, you can apply for financial support through Student Finance NI for the 2011/12 academic year. The package of support available is dependant on whether you are a new or existing student at CAFRE in the 2011/12 academic year.
Support Available for New Students:
- Student Loan for tuition fees
- Income assessed Maintenance Grant or Special Support Grant (max £3,475)
- Student Loans for Maintenance
- Extra help if you have a disability, have children or adult dependants or have left care.
Support Available for Existing Students:
- Income assessed help towards tuition fees
- Student Loans for tuition fee contribution
- Income assessed Higher Education Bursary (max £2,000)
- Student Loans for Maintenance
- Extra help if you have a disability, have children or adult dependants or have left care.
NOTE: The maximum tuition fee for the 2011/12 academic year will be £1,310 per year for full-time undergraduate courses.
Student Loans for Maintenance
The table below shows the maximum loan that you can get in 2011/12. These amounts are lower in final year of your course as you will leave higher education at the end of the summer term and will not need financial support over the summer holiday.
| Full Year Rate | Final Year Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Students living at their parents' home: | 3,750 | 3,390 |
| Students living away from their parents' home and studying elsewhere: | 4,840 | 4,480 |
How to Apply
Step 1 You can apply online at www.studentfinanceni.co.uk or get an application form (PN1) from your local Education and Library board (ELB).
Step 2 If using a PN1, send your completed application form to your local ELB with all the information you are asked to provide.
EU students
EU students are eligible for support towards tuition fees only and should apply to their own funding authorities for financial support for living costs. Applications for financial support for EU nationals or the child of an EU national enrolling on a full-time or sandwich course of Higher Education at CAFRE, will be dealt with by the Student Loans Company’s European Team.
To apply for this loan you must complete a EU11N application form. This form together with guidance notes to help you complete your application can be downloaded by logging onto www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance-eu
Contact details are as follows:
Student Finance Services European Team
Student Loans Company
PO Box 89
Darlington
Co Durham
England
United Kingdom
DL1 9AZ
Telephone: 0141 243 3570
Open Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.30 pm.
Please complete and return the EU10N application form student finance 2011/12 (along with any other required supporting evidence) to the SLC at the address above. It is important that your EU11N form is completed and returned within 9 months of the start of the academic year or you may lose your right to apply for student finance.
When returning your EU11N application form, please ensure that you use the correct amount of postage.
CAFRE Foundation Degree and Degree Courses are recognised by the Department of Education in the Republic of Ireland in relation to maintenance grants. If you have been accepted on a course at CAFRE you should apply as normal to your local council in the Republic of Ireland for a maintenance grant.
Further Information
To find out more about the financial support available and the eligibility requirements for students studying at CAFRE, you can get more information by contacting your local Education and Library Board or from the Student Finance NI website at: www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
Publications
A guide to financial support for Higher Education students in 2011/12 (PDF 196KB)
Support Funds
If you encounter financial difficulties during your time at college, for whatever reason, or where access to higher education might be restricted for financial reasons, you may apply for special funds termed Support Funds. Full details of the terms and conditions and how and where to apply for assistance from the Support Funds can be obtained from the CAFRE Student Support Officer, (Dr Kate Semple, Greenmount Campus, Telephone 028 9442 6615).
Funding for Part time courses
Students employed in agriculture, food or rural business sectors will normally have their fees paid in full by DARD.
Scholarships
Scholarships of £1,000 are available to students during Stage 1 of the BSc in Agricultural Technology and Foundation Degree courses at the College. These scholarships have been provided by industry and demonstrate their commitment to these programmes which provide quality graduates with the knowledge, skills and experience demanded by today’s employers.
Northern Ireland Memorial Fund for education and training
The Northern Ireland Memorial Fund is an independent charity which seeks to promote peace and reconciliation by offering practical support to those who have suffered as a result of the troubles in Northern Ireland. The Education and Training scheme has been introduced by the Fund to provide grant assistance to access educational and training opportunities. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Grants Office on 028 9076 1166.
Professional and Career Development Loans
Professional and Career Development Loans are bank loans that can be used to help pay for work related learning. You can borrow between £300 and £10,000 to help support the cost of up to two years of learning (or three years if it includes one year’s relevant unpaid practical work). The Young People’s Learning Agency will pay the interest on the loan while you are learning and for one month afterwards. The loan can be used to pay course fees or other costs such as travel and living expenses. You can also use the loan to supplement other forms of support such as grants or bursaries. Because the Professional and Career Development Loan is a commercial loan product, they should only be considered as an option once all other student funding options have been investigated. For further information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact Careers Advice on 0800 100 900. Our learning provider registration number is: 20214.
