- The document discusses reasons to consider pursuing higher education, including greater employability, earnings potential, and opportunities for personal and academic development. - It outlines the university application process, including choosing courses and institutions, writing a personal statement, and details about tuition fees and financial support options for university study. - Students who attend university will take on debt to pay tuition fees but this is considered "good debt" as a higher education leads to higher lifetime earnings and is an investment in one's future career prospects. Financial support is available through tuition fee loans and maintenance grants and loans.

1. Welcome to Yr 13 Higher Education Evening Thursday 24 th June

2. Reasons to consider university… Employability.. and greater adaptability Greater earnings (research shows that graduates earn over £400,000 more than non-graduates on average) Relatively low cost (£22p/w on £18,000 p/a) Life and academic development

3. The current situation The recession has made the job market more competitive. The agreed cap on tuition fees has been lifted: we cannot guarantee these in the future. It can be argued that uni is a bad idea as having more debt right now is not wise. It can be argued that uni is a great idea as the jobs market will be more competitive.

4. How to make choices Course first, university second Use online tools such as ukcoursefinder.com or Stamford test Speak to friends, teachers and use the web Go to Open Days at the universities of interest

5. The 5 sections of the application Personal details Additional Information Choices Employment Personal Statement

6. Personal statement A 4,000 character ‘covering letter’ It enables students space to explore why they have chosen that degree, and… The skills they have already acquired All students aiming for university will have completed a draft PS for their tutor before the end of Year 12

7. Finance All students will leave university with a debt – FACT: but here are different forms of debt ‘ Good debt’ is inexpensive and an investment in something long term (like a mortgage) ‘ Bad debt’ might be expensive APR and be used for items that don’t appreciate (like a car loan) University is an investment in your future. Financial support is available to all students.

8. What will I pay for? There are two types of costs associated with going to university: tuition fees; living costs For 2010 / 2011 universities can charge up to £3,290 for full-time fees. All students receive a loan for this – not means tested.

9. Maintenance Loans 2010 / 11 MAXIMUM ENTITLEMENT Living away from home in London £6,928 Living away from home outside London £4,950 Living at home £3,838

10. Paying back? Study first, then pay back when earning over £15,000 p/a. You pay back 9% of your salary over £15,000. For example, if you are earning £18,000 you pay back £5.19pw. Loans do incur interest, but are lower than the high-street banks. The rate has been frozen at 0% until Aug 2010.

11. Grants Level of Grant £2,906 Partial grant between £2,906 & £50 Nil Household Income Up to £25,001 From £25,001 to £50,020 £50,020 or above

12. Bursaries Every University has an amount of money they can award each year as non-repayable bursaries. Each University sets its own criteria for these, but can be over £1,000 per year

13. The next steps Personal Statement support now Open Days from now onwards An allocated UCAS mentor in September 1st September we prioritise applicants First come first served basis

14. Any queries? If you are a parent or student currently in Year 12 at Greenshaw and have any queries about Higher Education then please contact me by e-mail at [email_address] .