Protesters complained last week about the proposed rise in university tuition fees, which could end up leaving a generation of 20-something graduates burdened with significant debts. That makes it more important than ever to plan ahead and consider all your options when it comes to further education.
Firstly, consider whether you need a degree at all. The recession has put paid to the idea that a degree guarantees you a job – graduate unemployment is at record levels. If you aspire to be an architect or a doctor, then of course, you need a degree. However, for some careers, three years spent gaining experience in the industry and working your way up – not to mention being paid rather than building up debt – is a far better option.
If your chosen career requires a degree, fine. But you still don’t have automatically to go into debt. Tens of millions of pounds in student scholarships and bursaries goes unclaimed every year. You can find details of what’s on offer for your subject by either checking the university website or using a specialist site, such as Scholarship-search.org.uk. You might get all your fees covered with money to spare – or just an annual contribution of, say, £500 towards your costs. If you don’t get any help in your first year, keep trying – you can apply for scholarships and bursaries throughout your university career.
Another option is sponsorship. Several large companies sponsor students during their degree courses, paying fees, and sometimes living expenses. In return they expect a commitment to complete paid work placements with them during the holidays.
Students studying engineering, science, IT and business tend to have the most sponsorship opportunities. Find out what is available by contacting the admissions staff at the relevant university department and human resources at appropriate companies. The Army also sponsors students, but you will have to commit to serving for several years after you graduate (see Armyjobs.mod.uk).
Finally, there’s studying abroad. As Britain is a member of the EU, you can study at universities across Europe. Universities in Finland, Sweden and Denmark don’t charge British students tuition fees and offer courses in English. Spanish and German colleges do charge, but their fees are lower than in Britain – you’ll pay around €550 per semester in some parts of Germany. And you’ll probably impress future employees with your initiative, independence and language skills.