There are plenty of courses on offer both north of the border and across the sea. Aíne Kerr looks at how to apply for courses across the borders and assesses what it will cost
Thousands of students will this week consider the possibility of applying for courses in the UK and Northern Ireland through the clearing system, but the question of fees needs to be addressed in the decision process.
Last week (August 17th) on the publication of A level results, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) implemented its clearing process which secures some 40,000 students a college place every year. With competition intense for many courses in Ireland, some students may now find themselves looking elsewhere for a college offer which will recognise the points achieved. With some 50,000 courses in over 300 colleges and universities on offer, the UK is for serious contemplation.
Students who have already applied for a course through the UCAS system in January of this year should have already received a conditional offer.
For those who are only contemplating a course in the UK now, there are thousands of vacant places listed for courses all over the UK and Northern Ireland through the system known as "clearing".
The first course of action is to get a Clearing Entry Form (CEF), and once you have contacted the relevant colleges and universities and met their requirements for a course, the CEF must be duly forwarded.
But prior to sending that life-changing CEF in the post, students and parents should give consideration to the new top-up fees which come into effect this September. Aside from living costs such as rent, books, transport and entertainment, students will have to contend with tuition fees for courses. Annual charges for undergraduate students will total around £3,000, but this will vary between courses as well as between different universities and colleges.
Payment of the total fees can be deferred until after graduation when the student is earning over £15,000 a year, but to be eligible for a loan with the Student Loans Company a student must be first resident in the UK for three years. Hence, many Irish students will simply have to rely on parental support, an interest loan or/and part-time employment.
Added to this are the living costs which students must consider in their budgetary estimates. The online group, Study UK, estimates that a student living in London or the southeast of England can expect to pay between £9,000 and over £12,000 a year for accommodation, food, travel, books, equipment, clothes and entertainment.
The British Council website offers a downloadable document about studying and living in the UK 2006-2007 and provides information on everything from setting up a bank account, health and transport services available. The booklet advises that outside of London, students should expect to spend in the region of £600 per month or £5,500 a year to cover accommodation and all other costs.
Brian Mooney, former president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, said that with the availability of Further Education courses at differing levels and the introduction of a graduate entry level for medicine many students can now access their preferred course. Where previously, the UK was treated as a "fall back option", Ireland now offers many courses and career routes which should be considered by students, says Mooney.