Goldsmiths Student Finance: A Guide

Navigating student finance at Goldsmiths, University of London, can feel daunting. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the key aspects and resources available:

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees at Goldsmiths vary depending on your course, level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate), and fee status (home, EU, or international). Home students generally pay a set fee, which is usually around the maximum allowed by the government. International and EU student fees are typically higher. Check the Goldsmiths website for the most up-to-date information specific to your chosen program.

Funding Options for Home Students

The primary source of funding for eligible UK students is Student Finance England (SFE), or the equivalent body for students from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. SFE provides two main types of funding:

• Tuition Fee Loan: This covers the full cost of tuition fees and is paid directly to Goldsmiths.
• Maintenance Loan: This helps with living costs, such as rent, food, and travel. The amount you receive depends on your household income and where you study (e.g., living at home, living away from home, or studying in London).

Beyond government loans, consider these options:

• Goldsmiths Scholarships and Bursaries: Goldsmiths offers a range of scholarships and bursaries based on academic merit, financial need, or specific programs of study. Check their website for eligibility criteria and application deadlines.
• External Scholarships and Bursaries: Many external organizations offer scholarships and bursaries to students. Websites like UCAS, Scholarship Search, and the Scholarship Hub can help you find suitable opportunities.
• Part-time Work: Many Goldsmiths students work part-time to supplement their income. The university has a careers service that can help you find suitable employment opportunities.

Funding Options for International Students

International students generally don’t qualify for UK government student loans. They must explore alternative funding options, including:

• Goldsmiths International Scholarships: Goldsmiths offers a limited number of scholarships specifically for international students.
• External Scholarships and Bursaries: Many international scholarship programs are available from organizations in your home country or from international bodies.
• Self-Funding: Many international students fund their studies through personal savings, family contributions, or private loans from banks in their home country.

Repayment

Repaying your student loan begins the April after you graduate and are earning above a certain threshold (currently around £27,295 per year for Plan 2 loans). Repayments are automatically deducted from your salary, similar to income tax. The amount you repay depends on your income, not the amount you borrowed. Any outstanding loan balance is typically written off after a set period (usually 30 years for Plan 2 loans).

Goldsmiths Support Services

Goldsmiths offers a range of support services to help students manage their finances, including: the Student Advice Team who can provide guidance on student finance, budgeting, and debt management.

Key Takeaways

Research all available funding options early. Apply for Student Finance England (or your relevant funding body) as soon as possible. Explore scholarships and bursaries. Budget carefully and seek financial advice from Goldsmiths’ support services if needed. Stay informed about changes to student finance regulations.