Open university course while on income support?

[kate1984]

Am just wondering if your on income support and a lone parent will income support pay for a open university course?

If they do pay for it do they take away the benefit or do you still get it as still not working?

 

[Seraphim]

As I understand it, I could be wrong, I don't think it matters if it's income support or just a low income you're on...

The OU provide support for course fees for those who can't afford it (which would include those on IS I'm assuming)

I can't recommend the OU highly enough. Absolute life saver.

They're really helpful and accessible on the phone if you have any questions.

Good luck

 

[xxembobxx]

WSS ^^I totally agree with Seraphim.
The OU were great for me. You apply directly to them and they will send you an application form for fee waiver. There has been a change in the way they charge due to the uni fees being increased but I imagine you would still get it for free.
Good luck x

 

[shazney22]

Can you do an OU course if your on benefits like jobseekers couple? Is it just the first year you get free?

 

[xxembobxx]

There are a few benefits which make you eligible to get your full course fee paid and I believe JSA would be one of them. I believe you can get 6 courses paid for (sometimes more) but would have to apply anew each year.
If you check out the OU website there is a quick questionnaire which lets you know if it's worth applying for financial support.
It's best to apply soon though as lots of courses start in February and they do take a while to process forms.

 

[Katieg7]

sorry...this may be really stupid...what is OU?

 

[xxembobxx]

OU is the Open University. They do university courses designed for home study and aimed at people that may not have studied before.

 

[nugget80]

i did my whole degree while on is and did not have to pay anything apart from £200 as i went over the max fee allowance for the academic year and had to pay the extra. think you can have course fees paid up to £1200 for each academic year. (that was the rate when i was doing mine, i graduated last year...!) if you do a degree you have to complete or aim to complete in 6 years for them to give full fee support...