I have been following this correspondence with interest and have read the
just received DfEE booklet Financial Support for Students in 1999/2000 to
see how much light it shed on the subject.
The position seems clear enough for those starting in September 1999: they
must apply within four months of the start of their course, this being a
hangover from the Mandatory Awards Regulations. However, the deadline
might come as a shock to someone who did not intend to apply to his/her LEA
for support for fees (on the grounds that he wouldn't get it) and who
decided part-way through the academic year to apply for a loan. However
much we try to publicize the importance of applying early, there will
always be some who don't understand the message. So I would guess LEAs
will be in receipt of a lot of late applications...
The position with regard to 1998 starters is less clear. Those who applied
last year to their LEA will probably be ok, since their LEAs will write to
them. But what of those who did not apply for support last year, and who,
by definition, cannot meet the four-month deadline? Or is the four months
to be interpreted as being within four months of the start of the academic
year? Or will these students be protected under the new Regulations?
Any enlightenment welcome!
Eleanor Martin
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Eleanor Martin, Assistant Registrar, Academic Division,
UEA.
Tel. 01603 592205
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