As a student on an Access course, you most likely intend to go on to study at University, College or another Higher Education Institution (HEI). It’s a big financial step, and you will need to arm yourself with as much information as you possibly can. There are a number of places to find out just what financial help you can get, once you have your Access to Higher Education Diploma.

The Student Loans Company website has information on support loans for tuition fees and covering living expenses whilst you are at university. Although much of this information pertains to HE students in full-time education, the website does cover some of the support available to part-time students.

One of the first places you could look for financial advice is the HE institution at which you are intending to study; the Student Finance/Money Advisor is the best person to talk to. They will also be able to talk to you about possible additional sources of emergency funding like the Access to Learning Fund which all HE institutions run. There is often useful information on the University or College websites – and the institution’s student union website may be helpful too. As an independent student, it is worth having a look to see if there is a Mature Students section on your chosen HEI’s website.

It is highly recommended that you talk to your Local Education Authority (LEA) as soon as possible.

You might also look at the Tax Credits Office website ‘Tax credits’, especially if you are a parent.

For nursing and midwifery students it is worth searching on the Nursing careers website ‘NHS Bursaries’.