IN V EST IN YOU R FUTURE A guide to fees, bursaries and scholarships 2017 Invest in your future 1
4 th IN THE GUARDIAN UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2016 AND 2017 95 % EMPLOYABILITY AVERAGE OVER 5 YEARS* TOP 10 IN THE TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION TABLE OF TABLES 2017 2,300+ PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PLACEMENT PARTNERS Once in a lifetime, there is a moment that changes everything, in which the right people, at the right time, and in the right place come together to create something extraordinary and unexpected. *BASED ON DATA FROM THE HIGHER EDUCATION STATISTICS AGENCY (HESA) 2 surrey.ac.uk #createwonder Invest in your future 3
Exploring your options There are a lot of things to consider when deciding to study for a degree what subject, which university and how much it will cost. At Surrey, we understand what a big undertaking this is. We also know how important it is that we do everything we can to help you. That s why our focus is on providing the best support package that we can and making it accessible to as many students as possible. Our tuition fees Your degree is an investment in your future and your career. Here at Surrey, we add value to your academic learning with a Professional Training placement, acknowledged as one of the best of its kind in the world. We have forged an enviable track record in employability in fact, we ve now achieved a 95 per cent five-year average for first degree full time students going into employment (or further study), according to data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). 4 4 surrey.ac.uk #createwonder Invest in in your future 5 5
Fees during your Professional Training placement year The majority of our students have the opportunity to take part in our Professional Training placement programme, in which case a Surrey degree will normally last four years. The fees during this year are substantially reduced. As a guide,the fee for 2017/18, for 2015/16 entrants undertaking the Professional Training placement will amount to 1,800. For 2017/18 entrants who will undertake the Professional Training placement in 2019/20 the fee is not yet available but will be updated on the website when available. Most students on our Professional Training placement programme are paid a salary by employers, which is a valuable source of income. For those who are on an unpaid placement, we have a fund to ensure some financial support during the placement year. Number crunching To get a true picture of what university will cost you, it s important to make sure you ve included everything in your calculations even the subtractions. When you re looking at the total amount it may cost you to come to university, there are some facts which may help you get things straight in your mind. Don t pay fees up front It s estimated that paying fees up front is the least cost effective way of paying for tuition. Instead, consider a Tuition Fee Loan. They work like this: The Government loans you the money to pay your tuition fees You pay the Government back, in instalments, after you graduate Your repayments are in proportion to your income You only start repaying when you earn over a certain amount ( 21,000 at the time of writing) Repayment rates are decided in advance so there shouldn t be any unexpected changes. Tuition Fee Loan The Tuition Fee Loan covers the fees you re charged each year of your course. It s paid directly to your university or college. You can find further information at: gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance Maintenance Loan This helps with living costs and is paid into your bank account each term. Only full-time students can apply for a Maintenance Loan The exact amount you can borrow depends on your family s income, where you live,where you study and what year of study you re in Rates for final-year students are different Special Support Grant This is for students who get or qualify for Income Support or Housing Benefit. You may qualify for the Special Support Grant if: You re a full-time student You re a single parent Your partner is also a student You have certain disabilities For full details and qualifying criteria on the Maintenance Loan and the Special Support Grant, you can find information at: gov.uk/student-finance EU students For information about funding for EU students, see: gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance To increase my chances of employment, the Professional Training year at Surrey will enhance my professional development and help secure the job that I want. According to the sliding scale of payments, paying back the fees. Elliot Francis BSc(Hons) Computer Science 6 surrey.ac.uk #createwonder Invest in your future 7
Rewards and awards We encourage applications from everyone with the ability to study for a Surrey degree, and understand that finance is a factor that affects most people s decisions. We are committed to making sure that we offer support to all those who qualify for our help. Our bursaries and scholarships are among the most competitive in the country, with both merit-based and means-tested awards available. Our bursaries and scholarships for 2017 entry are available at: surrey.ac.uk/discover/undergraduatebursaries-and-scholarships-2017 T: +44 (0)1483 689 373 E: bursariesandscholarships@surrey.ac.uk I come from Cyprus but I chose to study in the UK as this meant I could apply for a student loan to help fund my degree tuition fees payment. I successfully applied for the student finance loan for my first and second years. Taking a student loan allows me to repay when I secure employment after my degree. This means I don t have to put a financial burden on my parents. Georgia Stavrou BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science 8 surrey.ac.uk #createwonder Invest in in your future 9 9
Sport scholarships Our sports scholarships recognise exceptional achievement by highcalibre athletes and complement our world-class sports facilities at Surrey sports Park. High-performance athletes The University of Surrey s High-Performance Athlete Support Scheme (HPASS) is designed to help talented student athletes to fulfil their sporting potential whilst achieving academic excellence. We provide individually tailored, practical solutions and services to students that are specific to both their sport and academic situation. HPASS benefits include: Free access to facilities at Surrey Sports Park An individual strength and conditioning programme Physiotherapy and sports massage Physiological assessments and advice through the Surrey Human Performance Institute Regular workshops on a range of subjects, including strength and conditioning, lifestyle and injury prevention Nutritional analysis and sports psychology support A dedicated performance manager Suitable HPASS applicants may qualify for one of the sports scholarships, valued at 3,000. Successful applicants will be eligible to receive 2,000 of athlete services, along with a cash bursary of 1,000. Current sports scholars include GBU23 rower Alastair Douglass, GB fencer Abbie Matthews, Chelsea footballer, Anne Meiwald and Surrey Storm netballer Katie Harris. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria: Achieve the required academic entry standard for your chosen degree course Continue to meet the academic standards of your course during your time at Surrey in order to remain on the scholarship programme Be competing in a sport recognised by both UK Sport and British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) at either international or national level. teamsurrey.co.uk/performance/ scholarships.php E: m.garfoot@surrey.ac.uk 10 surrey.ac.uk #createwonder Invest in your future 11
Student banking Banks offer cash and free gifts to attract students but look beyond these to more important factors, including interest rates, fees, penalties and the availability of interest-free overdraft facilities. Points to consider when choosing a bank: What is the overdraft on offer? How long after graduation will the overdraft remain interest free? Are there hidden charges, for example, if you go over your overdraft limit, or for returned payments? Is internet banking available? Do they have a Student Adviser? Opening an account Try to open an account before you re desperate for money. Bank cards can t be issued immediately, and you may have to wait three to five working days. When opening a UK bank account, you ll be asked to produce: A funding body s letter of award. Personal identification, for example, a passport, driving license or University student registration card Proof of address, for example, utility bills addressed to you, library card etc. EU/ International students are also asked to provide: Passport, or National Identity Card Birth certificate Home address, plus UK term-time address The UCAS or university offer letter may be used to confirm your permanent address. The Accommodation Office invoice or a tenancy agreement can be used to confirm your termtime address. A letter from the student s overseas bank confirming credit worthiness may be requested. Banks may ask for a letter from the University of Surrey to confirm most of the identity and address information above. Please see the Student Services Centre (page 17) if you need such a letter. Student bank accounts As a student, you re eligible to open a student account with special benefits and discounts. Banks are not obliged to give all students special accounts. You must be 18 years old or over and meet certain criteria. In the case of overseas students, this may mean you ll receive a student account only if there s a surplus in your account after all the tuition fees have been paid. With a student account, you ll receive: Debit cards An interest-free overdraft facility 12 surrey.ac.uk #createwonder Invest in in your future 13 13
A problem-free account Banks see students as long term clients and try to be helpful where possible. Most banks will waive the normal charges for standing orders and direct debits. They ll also pay interest when accounts remain in credit. Most banks also offer travel facilities and insurance deals, but check these carefully. Bills Set up standing orders and direct debits for all regular payments, whether for accommodation or other fees and for utility bills. This will help you budget and make regular payments. Remember that missed payments may lead to charges and can affect your credit record. Credit cards and store cards These are to be avoided unless you pay them off completely every month. Interest rates are very high and debt can quickly accrue. If you feel you must have a credit card for contingencies, check which is best via an independent source. You can find information at: moneysavingexpert.com/students If you go overdrawn without authorisation, the interest rate you re charged will rise steeply you ll lose money and will have nothing to show for it. Students who are frequently overdrawn should always choose interest-free overdrafts. If you don t keep your bank up-to-date with your situation, they are within their rights to ask for the overdraft back. Statements and online banking Internet banking is a good option if you move home frequently and is an easy way to check bank statements. Use statements as a budgeting tool, checking details line by line. Keep track of everything you spend: cash, cheques and cards included. Report any discrepancies to your bank promptly. Interest and tax If your total income (including interest but excluding your Student Loan) is less than your personal tax allowance, you can request interest is paid gross, without tax deducted. Ask your bank for the HMRC form. Overdrafts Banks increase overdrafts each year as students, aged 18 years and over, progress through university. Banks may sometimes increase overdrafts on request. If you know you ll exceed your overdraft, contact your branch and reach an agreement on the overdraft level and interest rate. 14 surrey.ac.uk #createwonder Invest in your future 15
Useful contacts University contacts For information about tuition fees, scholarships and bursaries, please contact: Fees and Funding E: feesandfunding@surrey.ac.uk T: +44 (0) 1483 689 373 (Fees) Scholarships and bursaries E: bursariesandscholarships@surrey.ac.uk T: +44 (0) 1483 689 205 surrey.ac.uk/discover/fees-funding Other useful contacts: Student Finance team (collection of fees) E: student-receivables@surrey.ac.uk Student Services Centre (first point of contact for general queries at the University) E: ask@surrey.ac.uk Student Money team (general financial advice, budgeting, hardship, student loans) E: ask@surrey.ac.uk External contacts Student Finance England sfengland.slc.co.uk T: 0300 100 0607 Student Awards Agency Scotland T: 0300 555 0505 Student Finance Northern Ireland T: 0300 100 0077 Student Finance Wales T: 0300 200 4050 Student Finance European Team gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance T: 0141 243 3570 Student Loan Company slc.co.uk T: 0845 300 5090 Student Finance gov.uk/student-finance This page gives all the information you need to know about applying for loans, maintenance grants etc. Loan repayment enquiries (UK enquiries) studentloanrepayment.co.uk T: 0845 0738 891 Loan repayment enquiries (overseas enquiries) studentloanrepayment.co.uk T: +44 141 243 3660 MoneySavingExpert.com moneysavingexpert.com/students 16 surrey.ac.uk #createwonder Invest in your future 17
OPEN DAYS Book a place on one of our Open Days where you can meet students and academics, explore our campus and discover more about the courses that have fired your interest. Friday 30 June 2017 Saturday 1 July 2017 Saturday 16 September 2017 Saturday 14 October 2017 To book your place, please visit: surrey.ac.uk/opendays CAMPUS TOURS We run campus tours every Wednesday at 1pm a great opportunity to explore our facilities and services. For more details and to make a booking, please visit: surrey.ac.uk/campustour VIRTUAL TOUR Take a virtual tour, giving you a panoramic view of the whole campus and our local area please visit: surrey.ac.uk/virtualtour Connect and explore 18 surrey.ac.uk #createwonder Invest in your future 19
Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this brochure at the time of going to print (May 2017). The University takes reasonable steps to provide the educational and other services described in this brochure but reserve the right to introduce reasonable changes to the services including the way in which they are delivered. Should industrial action or circumstances beyond the control of the University interfere with its ability to provide any services, the University will use reasonable steps to minimise any resultant disruption. Please refer to the University website for updated information relating to any matters contained in this brochure. Where the information contained on the website differs from that in this brochure, the information on the website supersedes the information contained in this brochure. We advise all applicants to view the website prior to making any application. 20 surrey.ac.uk 8145-0317 #createwonder