Protecting your support rights

Think long and hard before you opt to withdraw from your course altogether. A good suggestion would be to talk to a careers adviser about future employment prospects.

If you intend to return to Higher Education study you should be aware that there have been far reaching changes to the Student Support system over the last few years and it is far better for you to take up to date advice about the rules.

ANYONE THINKING OF CHANGING COURSE SOULD SEEK UP TO DATE ADVICE ON FUNDING BEFORE ACTING

If you decide to transfer or withdraw after the deadline for doing so you will probably have to self-fund (in respect of fees only) part of your new course before receiving the remaining years of your support entitlement. Your eligibility for a Student Loan will not however be affected.

Procedures

If you leave your current course either because you have arranged a transfer to a new course starting next year or because you have made a false start, you should always inform your your Programme Leader, and complete the applicable University transfer or withdrawal form, your LEA and the Students Loans Company (if you have applied for or received a loan). Failure to do any of these could cause you problems later.

Even if you phone, you should inform your LEA/SLC of any important decision that affects your course by Recorded Delivery letter and keep the posting receipt for future reference.

Immediate Financial Implications

If you do decide to withdraw there will be some immediate financial implication