The Student Finance team administers the national Student Finance scheme for residents of the Borough of Swindon. The team is based in the Swindon Borough Council Offices in Premier House, Station Road, Swindon.

Student Finance is the financial package available to students who are undertaking a full-time course of Higher Education. The scheme is designed to help students with the cost of attending a higher education course.

The two main expenses for students starting their courses in 2007/08 are:

• Tuition fees (these can be up to £3,070 for 2007/08, depending on what and where you are studying)
• Living expenses (rent, food, bills, books etc.)

The amount of support available is partly determined by a financial assessment that will calculate maintenance grant and student loan entitlement. A loan is also available to cover the cost of tuition fees. The tuition fee loan is available to all students and is not determined by financial assessment.

Student Finance also offers extra help for students with disabilities through the Disabled Students’ Allowance. Additional help is also available for students with dependent children in the form of the Parents’ Learning Allowance and Childcare Grant. Students with a partner, or other adult, who depends upon them financially may also be eligible for the Adult Dependants’ Grant. Part-time students from lower income households may also be entitled to some financial help towards the cost of attending their course.