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How much will I have to pay in tuition fees?

New students - The maximum amount payable by students who start a course in September 2008 is £3,145 a year. The fee does not have to be paid upfront or while you are studying, and you can take out a loan to cover the fees.

Existing students - Continuing students who started a course before September 2006 will be charged a maximum fee of £1,255. You may receive a grant towards the fees depending on your household income. You can also apply for a loan to cover the part of the fee that isn't covered by a grant.

Will I be entitled to a grant?

New students - From September 2008 you may be entitled to a maintenance grant of up to £2,835. If your household income is less than £25,001 and you are an eligible student, you will receive the maximum of £2,835. If your household income is £25,001 to £60,005 you will receive a partial grant. If your household income is more than £60,006 you will not be entitled to a grant.

If you started a course between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2008 may be entitled to up to 2,835 if your household income is less than £18,361. If your household income is £18,361 to £39,306 you will not be entitled to a grant.

Existing students who started a course in 2004 or later, may be entitled to a higher education grant of up to £1000. If your household income is less than £16,751 you may be entitled to the full grant. If your household income is between £16,751 and £22,734 you may be entitled to a partial grant. If your household income is more than £22,735 you will not be entitled to a grant.

What is a bursary?

A bursary is a grant paid by a college of university to eligible students. If your college or university is charging tuition fees of £2,835 for a course, they must provide a bursary of at least £310 to students who are entitled to the maximum maintenance grant of £2,835. Contact your college for more information.

Is there any extra help for students with disabilites?

Disabled students can receive extra funding for their studies. This is called Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). An equipment allowance of up to £5,030 is available for the duration of the course, together with a non-medical helpers allowance of up to £20,000 a year and a general allowance of up £1,680. The payments are not means tested and apply to full time students. Reduced payments are available to part time students. If you would like to apply for DSA payments you should contact 0151 443 3258 for an application form and advice.

I am a mature student with children. Is there any extra help?

Students who have dependent children should apply for the Child Tax Credit, available from H.M. Revenue and Customs. You can contact H.M. Revenue and customs on 0845 300 3900.

In addition, you may be entitled to the Parents' Learning Allowance . The maximum Parents Learning Allowance is £1,470. How much you will receive depends on your income and that of your dependants.

Is there any help towards the cost of nursery fees for my children?

If you are full time student and you are using registered childcare for your children you can apply for a Childcare Grant up to a maximum of £148.75 a week for one child (£255 for two children). The amount you receive depends on your income and that of your dependents. Other conditions apply. Contact 0151 443 3258 for further information and an application form.

Can I apply for a student loan if I receive a NHS bursary?

If you are accepted for a NHS funded place and you are studying a degree level course you can apply to the Local Authority for a reduced student loan for courses such as occupational therapy. For more information about NHS bursaries in England contact NHS Student Grants Unit, NHS Pensions Agency, 200-220 Broadway, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8SS, Telephone 0845 358 6655.