Student Finance for Foundation Degree in Arts (FDA)

A Foundation Degree in Arts (FDA) is a Level 5 qualification, typically lasting two years full-time, designed to prepare students for degree-level study or employment in creative industries. Fortunately, student finance options are available to help cover the costs associated with pursuing an FDA.

Tuition Fee Loans

The primary source of financial support is the Tuition Fee Loan. This loan covers the full cost of your tuition fees, up to a maximum amount set by the government each year. The exact amount depends on where you study; higher tuition fees are usually charged at private institutions. You don’t need to pay anything upfront, and the loan is paid directly to your university or college.

Maintenance Loans

To help with living costs, you can also apply for a Maintenance Loan. The amount you receive depends on your household income and where you study. Students living at home with their parents typically receive a smaller loan than those living away from home, particularly if they’re studying in London. The loan is paid directly into your bank account in instalments at the start of each term.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for student finance, you typically need to be a UK national or have settled status and be living in the UK on the first day of your course. You must also be studying an eligible course at a recognized higher education provider. There are also age restrictions: generally, you must be under 60 when you start your course, although exceptions may apply.

Repaying Your Loans

Repayments for both Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loans don’t begin until the April after you graduate and are earning above a certain threshold. The repayment threshold varies depending on the repayment plan you are on (Plan 5 is the current plan for most students). Repayments are automatically deducted from your salary, similar to income tax. If your income falls below the threshold, repayments are paused. Any outstanding loan balance is typically written off after a specific period (e.g., 40 years for Plan 5).

Applying for Student Finance

You can apply for student finance online through the Student Finance England (SFE), Student Finance Wales (SFW), Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS), or Student Finance Northern Ireland (SFNI) website, depending on where you normally live. It’s best to apply as early as possible, even if you haven’t finalized your course choice. You can update your application later if needed.

Additional Support

Depending on your individual circumstances, you may also be eligible for additional financial support, such as Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty.

Important Note

The information provided here is for general guidance only. Student finance regulations and eligibility criteria can change, so it’s essential to visit the official Student Finance website for the most up-to-date information.