Distance learning courses are increasingly being recognised as offering advantages to both students and employers, but funding opportunities do not always keep up with developments in distance learning, and many of our students are self-funded. Apart from the sources mentioned below, you could speak to your employer, explaining how your qualification will be a sound investment for your organisation's future. A number of our current students are wholly or partly employer-sponsored, and many organisations are also willing to offer study time, if not to subsidise courses directly. Some professional associations can be a good source of loans at preferential rates, or even grants.

We are always keen to receive information or amendments about possible sources of funding for our students to put on these pages: please email archdl@le.ac.uk

• Students in England
• Students in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or elsewhere in the EU
• International Students (inc. USA)

Further information:

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Application and other forms

How much will it cost?

Students in England

Our undergraduate (Levels 1, 2 and 3) courses are eligible for grants, though getting these can be dependent on whereabouts in the country you live (your Local Education Authority or LEA). They are means-tested and intended for those on a low income. If you think you are eligible please speak to us first - you need to complete the various forms in the correct order! Those living in England and wishing to apply for undergraduate courses will need a form PTG1 from your LEA. This and guidance booklets are also available online from the UK Government's Student Finance webpages. The Government's Careers Advice website is also a useful source of information.

• Certain students may also be entitled to the Disabled Student Allowance or DSA – follow the links for Disabled Students.
• Distance Learning students are also entitled to apply to the Access to Learning Fund. Further information is available from the Student Welfare Service.

The University of Leicester also has student welfare funds, the Faire and Allaway and GM Edwards Bursary Funds, and may be able to advise you on other ways of getting financial help with your studies, depending on your circumstances. Please contact the Student Welfare Service by telephone on 0116 223 1185 or email welfare@le.ac.uk

For those in the armed services, all our courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels are registered for Enhanced Learning Credits, a scheme which pays up to 80 per cent of course fees. We are a registered provider which makes application to us very easy.

Despite the above, many students may need a Career Development Loan available from various UK banks. These loans enable you to borrow up to 80 per cent of your course fees, and repayments do not begin until one month after you graduate. You pay interest on the loan at a preferential rate after you complete your studies, and repayments are tax deductible. Special terms are available for the unemployed. For further information contact any of the participating banks, or call free on 0800 585505 Monday to Friday.

Assistance may also be available from trusts, charities and foundations. Both The Grants Register (Macmillan, ISBN 0312215894) and The Charities Digest (Waterflow Information Services, ISBN 185783033) provide information on these sources of funding. They are both obtainable from any university or good public library.

Students in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or elsewhere in the EU

Different rules about grants and allowances apply in different parts of the United Kingdom, and also to those who normally live elsewhere in the European Union. The best place to start for those living in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or elsewhere in the EU seeking information about student grants is to go online at the UK Government's Student Finance webpages. You can also get advice from our Student Welfare Service which has an international section.

International (non-EU) students including those from the USA

If you live outside the EU, try contacting your government's Ministry of Education for details of scholarships. The British Council, the UK's international organisation for educational and cultural matters, has offices in 110 countries and can advise on sources of funding. Copies of the guide Sources of Funding for International Students, produced by the British Council, the Council for International Education and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, can be obtained from the British Council. We are currently applying for money to support postgraduate applicants from developing Commonwealth countries - if you think this might apply to you then please do contact us on archdl@le.ac.uk registering your interest and we can contact you if and when we are successful.

Although we have students from Hong Kong, Australia, South America and elsewhere, the majority of our non-UK and EU students are based in North America. Many of our students work for, are members of, or have been members of the US military, and have successfully obtained loans and/or grants through various programs to take our courses.

Unfortunately, overseas distance learning courses are no longer eligible for Federal loans or VA (Veterans Association) funding. Although you will quite correctly find the University of Leicester on the VA website as an approved institution, VA grants and loans do not cover distance learning programs. Those of you who require loans to pay for program fees will therefore have to go through a private provider. One of the largest is SallieMae, and several of our former and existing students have used this route. There are of course many other providers of private loans for the purposes of education. Private loan companies usually require the education provider to have a 'Federal School Code': ours is G22291. If you require any further assistance please contact the Student Welfare Service's International Office or contact the School of Archaeology and Ancient History directly.

The University of Leicester has an International Office, though their services are primarily geared towards campus-based students. Nevertheless, we encourage you to contact them for advice on funding possibilities.

International Student Advisers: telephone + 44 (0)116 223 1185 or Email welfare@le.ac.uk