Debts to uni
owe money to uni?
You may owe money to your education establishment for a variety of reasons. Debts may include accommodation, rent, tuition fees, hardship loans or library fines.
The consequences for non-payment vary depending on the type of debt. Different colleges/universities may have different policies on how they will treat the debts depending on the circumstances.
Many colleges/ universities will consider withholding qualifications or prevent you going on to further studies if you owe money to the university. These policies could be considered unfair if the money is not owed for fees.
You may want to dispute this if you are unable to come to a repayment arrangement you are happy with. Student welfare officers should be the first point of contact. For further information, call National Debtline directly on 0808 808 4000.
Accommodation
Most colleges/universities provide some kind of accommodation for students. The tenancy is often only for one academic year excluding the summer vacation.
This payment should be treated as a priority.
Many colleges/universities may be reluctant to evict you for non-payment but they may refuse to offer you accommodation in later years.
This means that you need to make an arrangement to pay back any outstanding debts at a rate you can afford to avoid this happening.
Tuition fees
From September 2006 student loans are available to cover the full cost of tuition fees and the Student Loan Company will make payments directly to the university to cover the cost of fees. Students who do not apply for a tuition fee loan, or who are ineligible will be required to pay fees.
If tuition fees are owed to your college or university you may not be allowed to progress to your next year of study or your degree certificate could be withheld if you are in your final year. For further information, call National Debtline directly on 0808 808 4000.
nationaldebtline.co.uk