Funding your studies
| Nationality | Level of Study | Loans | Bursaries |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK & EU | Undergraduate | Student Finance | SOAS Financial Support Hardship funds |
| Postgraduate Masters | Professional and Career Development Loans | Hardship funds | |
| Overseas | All levels of study | USA India | Hardship funds |
UK and EU Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Financial Support - Entrants prior to 2012
UK/EU undergraduate students on the pre-2012 fee system (starting their degree between 2006-07 and 2011-12 inclusive) are eligible for a loan from the Student Loans Company to cover the cost of their tuition fees. UK students with a full maintenance grant are also eligible for a SOAS Study Support Bursary.
Undergraduate Financial Support - 2012 Entrants
UK/EU undergraduate students starting their degree in 2012/13 are eligible for a loan from the Student Loans Company to cover the cost of their tuition fees. Please see https://www.gov.uk/browse/education/student-finance for further information.
In addition SOAS is offering a package of new financial support for undergraduates ordinarily resident in England who are starting a degree in 2012 as part of the National Scholarships Program. Undergraduate Financial Support 2012.
Undergraduate Financial Support - 2013 Entrants
UK/EU undergraduate students starting their degree in 2013/14 are eligible for a loan from the Student Loans Company to cover the cost of their tuition fees. Please see https://www.gov.uk/browse/education/student-finance for further information.
In addition SOAS is offering a package of new financial support for undergraduates ordinarily resident in England who are starting a degree in 2013 as part of the National Scholarships Program. Undergraduate Financial Support 2013.
New Fee Charging System for Undergraduates Funded by Student Finance
From 2012-13 Student Finance have changed the way they pay tuition fees - they pay 25% of the fees for Term 1, 25% for Term 2 and 50% for Term 3. The tuition fee liability for each term starts on the first day of the term.
| Stage of Interruption or Withdrawal | Effective Charge |
| Before the first day of Term 2 | 25% annual fees |
| Before the first day of Term 3 | 50% annual fees |
| Term 3 | 100% annual fees |
Refund policy for undergraduates funded by Student Finance
UK and EU Postgraduate Students
Another way to fund your studies is through educational loans. Some high street banks offer loans for education. The other option is a career development loan. Before taking out a loan ensure that you understand what the repayments will be and that you will be able to afford them.
Professional and Career Development Loans
A Professional and Career Development Loan is a bank loan for UK students designed to help you pay for your degree. The loan can be used to pay for tuition fees as well as living costs.
Further information and how to apply is detailed at www.soas.ac.uk/registry/funding/pcdl/
Loans for Overseas Students
Loans
US Federal Loans
Eligible US students can apply for Stafford Federal Loans, Federal Plus and private loans to cover their tuition and maintenance costs. US Federal Loans.
Indian Credila Loans
Eligible Indian students can apply for Credila Indian Student Loans through GEMS. This loan could be used to cover tuition and maintenance costs. Credila Indian Loans.
The Registry Fees and Scholarship section can also certify student registration for other loans, such as Canadian educational loans and loans provided by Scandinavian (Norway, Sweden and Denmark primarily) governments.
Please contact the Student Loans and Bursaries Officer at funding@soas.ac.uk if you have any queries relating to the educational loans and financial support featured here.
Useful Information
Your time at SOAS should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. SOAS provides practical financial advice on budgeting and help you to make the most of your limited income. Please see the www.soas.ac.uk/studentservices/students/money/ section of the website.
Current students who experience financial difficulty during their studies may be eligible to receive limited, additional support via the SOAS hardship funds.
Other Sources of Funding
Enhanced Learning Credits (MOD)
SOAS degrees, certificates and diplomas are registered for Enhanced Learning Credits for members of the armed forces. The ELC scheme provides financial support in the form of a single up-front payment in each of a maximum of three separate financial years. See www.enhancedlearningcredits.com for further information.
Useful funding information can also be found at:
