How much will it cost to study in Northern Ireland?

For 2009 entry, universities and colleges in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will charge new students up to £3,225 a year for their courses. Amounts charged may vary between courses as well as between different universities and colleges.

Students will not have to pay for these fees up front as they will automatically qualify for a loan. They will not have to begin paying for their course until they have graduated and are earning more than £15,000.

This means that they will not have to find the money before they start their course or whilst they are studying and the fees will be paid direct to their university or college on their behalf.

Universities in Northern Ireland can also charge variable fees with a system of deferred repayment. Further information on the fee and support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland who are studying in Northern Ireland is available on the Department for Employment and Learning website at: www.delni.gov.uk/studentfinance.

If your home is in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, a student's eligibility for financial support to enable them to attend higher education courses is determined by the Education and Library Boards (ELBs). You can also visit www.studentfinanceni.co.uk for information or the Education and Library Boards' own websites:

Southern Education - www.selb.org
Belfast - www.belb.org.uk
North Eastern - www.neelb.org.uk
South Eastern - www.seelb.org.uk
Western - www.welbni.org

Students from Northern Ireland studying in England will be liable for the variable fee which in 2009 is up to £3,225 a year. You may receive help for both tuition fees and living costs in the form of grants and student loans. Your Education and Library Board will assess your financial position.

Students from Northern Ireland studying in Wales will be eligible for the same package of student support as if they were in Northern Ireland.