Year In Industry/Sandwich Year
If you take a year in industry as part of your course, whether in the UK or overseas, you may still be entitled to some statutory support during this part of your degree providing it is a recognised element of your course. This is distinct from 'study abroad' which attracts different funding.
Do I have to pay tuition fees during my Year in Industry?
Yes, during 2012-2013 the University of Leicester will charge a reduced tuition fee to those students completing a year in Industry/Sandwich Placement during the academic year:
- Students who started from 1 September 2006 onwards, but before 1st September 2012, and did not defer entry from 2005, fees will be £1,725
- Students who started before 1st September 2006, or who deferred entry from 2005, fees will be £680
- Students who start their courses from 1 September 2012 and will take a sandwich year later in their studies, fees are expected to be £1,000 for a year in industry (this may rise with inflation in future years)
You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover this cost in the same way as you have done in previous years.
EU students in receipt of fees-only support will be entitled to apply for these fees in the normal way
Can I apply for help with my living costs?
Most Home (UK) students will be able to apply for a reduced rate Maintenance Loan only. The maximum reduced rate Maintenance Loan in 2012 is £2,324 (if living away from home) or £1,744 (if living in the parental home).
There are some exceptions where you will continue to be eligible for the same package of support as in previous years (which may include Maintenance/Special Support Grant and Dependants' Allowances); you will need to meet one of the following criteria to qualify for full support:
| Unpaid service in a hospital or in a public health service laboratory or with a primary care trust |
| Unpaid service with a local authority relating to the care and or welfare of children / young persons or similar activities with a voluntary organisation |
| Unpaid service in the prison or probation and aftercare service |
| Unpaid research in a UK institution or, in the case of a student attending an overseas institution as a part of his course in an overseas institution |
| Unpaid service with a Health Authority in England or Wales or equivalent in Scotland or Northern Ireland |
EU students in receipt of fees-only support will not be eligible for living cost support
How do I apply for any loan/grant that I am entitled to?
The form that you need to complete is called a PR1. If you haven’t already completed it you can do so online by logging into your account.
If you are not from England, go to your relevant authority's website:
Northern Ireland: SFNI Scotland: SAAS Wales: SFW
Can I receive a University Bursary/Scholarship?
You will not qualify for the University Bursaries or a Scholarships during a sandwich year - whether in industry or overseas.
Is there any additional financial support that I can apply for?
Hardship Funds: Home (UK) students who have applied for the maximum maintenance loan that they are entitled to, and who are experiencing financial difficulties, are entitled to apply to the Access to Learning Fund once enrolled and in receipt of their funding.
Council Tax: You are still regarded as a full time student even when on placement.
Income Tax: Everyone, including students on placement, has to pay income tax on earned income once their income goes over the earnings threshold. Certain income is not taxed; for example some employers may pay you a bursary or other allowance which may not be subject to Income Tax.
For further advice on any of the issues on this page please contact a Student Finance Adviser
