Finance, Loans and Accommodation at Orbital South Colleges University Centre

Funding your studies

Studying a university level qualification is a significant investment in your future. We understand the importance of ensuring you are making a sound financial decision and are committed to supporting you during your time with us.

How to pay your tuition fees

The College currently has a low-fee policy on Higher Education courses.

Tuition fees go towards the cost of your course and allow the College to provide the resources, staff contact and support. You will need to fund your tuition fees and your living expenses. You will be advised in writing of the fees when you receive an offer of a place, and any support that is available. Your tuition fees can be paid in the following ways:

In full at the start of the academic year
In instalments by cash, cheque (payable to East Surrey College) or credit/debit card
Employer/sponsor payment
By applying for a student loan

Our Client Services Team can offer advice on a one-to-one basis on financial matters, including details of fees, tuition loans and maintenance loans.

If you have any further financial queries, our Client Services Team will be happy to assist. Please call 01737 788444 or visit us at the College.

Applying for a Student Loan

Many students choose to take out a student loan to help with meeting the cost of tuition fees and living expenses.

Full-time and Part-time students from the UK/EU who are studying for their first degree or other Higher Education course can apply to Student Finance England for a student loan to help with meeting the cost of tuition fees and living expenses.

Students normally residing in England should apply to Student Finance England.

Loan repayments are currently based on how much you earn after you leave your course. Please refer to www.gov.uk for the latest repayment thresholds.

Can my employer pay my tuition fees?

If your employer has agreed to pay for your course or part of your course, you can download and complete the Employer Undertaking form and return it to Client Services.

Once the details have been confirmed and finalised, the College will invoice your employer for your tuition fees.

When do I have to pay the fees?

If you choose to take out a tuition fee loan, you will not have to pay any upfront fees. Student Finance will pay the tuition fee on your behalf directly to the College.

If you are not eligible for financial support you will need to pay for the course privately which could include a contribution from your employer.

Instalment agreements are available on request for course fees totalling more than £400. In all cases, at least 25% of the fee will be due on enrolment. The remaining 3 equal instalments are normally payable in October, January and March (this will be finalised at enrolment).

In exceptional circumstances (eg financial hardship), please speak to a member of the Client Services team who will discuss with you possible alternative options.

Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)

Additional funding and support are available from the Student Loans Company for students with disabilities through the Disabled Students Allowance.

Further details of Student Loans and how to apply can be found by following this link: http://www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance. Advice sessions can also be booked through Client Services.

Additional Costs

There may be extra costs related to your course for things such as stationery, books, materials and field trips to support your learning.

Some courses may require specialist equipment (eg a digital camera) or materials (eg make-up supplies). Please refer to the individual course pages for specific details or contact Client Services for more information.

Examination Fees

All registration and examination fees are included in the tuition fee for Higher Education students. However, you may be charged for any resits/repeat years that you incur where claims for mitigating circumstances have not been upheld by an official examination board.

Financial Support & Advice

Our Client Services Team offer advice on a one-to-one basis on financial matters, including details of fees, tuition loans and maintenance loans.

Financial Support

The College may be able to offer financial support in the form of a bursary awarded in the first year of your programme. Click here to read the T&Cs.

If you have any further financial queries, the Client Services Team will be happy to assist. Please call 01737 788444 or visit us at the College.

Accommodation

The College does not provide accommodation for Higher Education students, who would need to arrange private rentals locally.

Important Information

Tuition Fees & Course Costs

All tuition fees are payable annually. Fees quoted will be for the current academic year. Further fees will be payable in subsequent years for courses of more than 1 year duration. Fees in subsequent years may show an inflationary increase.

You have the right to end your contract as a result of fee increases if you so wish. Failure to pay tuition fees may lead to sanctions, including your withdrawal from a course.

ESC will publicise its Higher Education fees and outreach policies in the following ways:

Information on fees and Student Loans will be included in interviews and relevant external briefings at schools and publicity events.
Relevant partner organisations will receive updates on fees policies.
All applicants receiving an offer of a place will be advised in writing of the fees that will apply to them, and of the nature and level of support that is available.

Refunds

The College operates a strict no refund policy. However, fees will be refunded in full if the College finds it necessary to cancel your course.

Course Viability

On rare occasions, courses may be subject to cancellation if insufficient enrolments take place. If this is the case, prospective students will be contacted and offered information, advice and guidance about finding a suitable alternative at the College or with another institution. They will have no liability for fees. Click to view Student Protection Plan.

International Students

The Government has introduced new legislation limiting the number of international students able to study in the UK. For further details see www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk. At the present time, we are not taking any applications from students who are currently residing overseas but will review this decision on a regular basis.