Financial support available to Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) students in 2011/12

Support from the Training and Development Agency (TDA)

Home and EU PGCE students are usually eligible for a tax-free bursary from the Training and Development Agency (TDA). The value of the bursary will range from £6,000 to £9,000 and depends on when you begin your training and the subject in which you train to teach. You usually apply for your bursary as part of your course induction.

For more information please call the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 or visit www.tda.gov.uk

Support from Student Finance England

If you do not already hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) please complete the 'Application for student finance' (PN1) form for 2011/12 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance to apply for the following support:

Tuition fee loan (Support for tuition fees)

You can apply for a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees. This loan does not depend on household income. The tuition fees for 2011/12 will cost £3,375.

Maintenance loan (Support for living costs)

You can apply for a maintenance loan to help with your living costs. Students starting in 2011/12 and living away from their parents' home can apply for a maximum of £4,950. Please note that 28% of the maximum maintenance loan of £4,950 is subject to income-assessment.

Maintenance grant (Support for living costs)

Depending on your household income you could qualify for a non-repayable maintenance grant of up to £2,906 for the 2011/12 academic year. The amount of maintenance grant you receive will affect the amount of maintenance loan you can borrow. Your maintenance loan entitlement will be reduced by £0.50 for every £1 of maintenance grant you receive.

Additional grants (Support for dependants)

Depending on your circumstances you can apply for additional grants (e.g. the Parents' Learning Allowance and the Childcare Grant) by completing the relevant sections of the 'Application for student finance' (PN1) form and providing necessary documentation.

For more information visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

Support from the University of Reading

See Money matters, visit the Student Financial Support team in the Carrington Building or call 0118 378 7430 for information about the following support:

University of Reading Access Bursary

This bursary is available to enrolled, eligible students whose household income falls below certain thresholds. The value of the bursary will range from £0 to £1,400 depending on household income. You do not need to apply for the Access Bursary. If you have completed the 'Application for student finance' (PN1) form for 2011/12 (or applied online), and given Student Finance England your consent to share information about your household income, we will automatically assess your entitlement to an Access Bursary.

Access to Learning Fund

If you get into financial difficulty or experience unexpected financial emergencies you can apply for extra help from the Access to Learning Fund. Awards are made on a needs basis and are subject to a means test. Funds provided are usually non-repayable and designed to help students with living costs.

Donor Study and Travel Fund

You can apply for help towards the cost of travel that is directly related to your studies. You will need to provide a supporting written statement from your tutor or supervisor. Please use the funding database search to download an application form and guidance notes.

Help and advice is available from the Money Doctors in the Students' Union

Visit Money Doctors, telephone 0118 378 4108 or email stu.adv@reading.ac.uk