Funding your studies
It’s entirely up to you whether you pay in full or spread the cost of your studies. We can offer you a range of easy payment options including pay as you go and pay monthly to make gaining a university qualification more affordable. To find out how distance learning compares with the costs of full-time study click here. Don't forget - we also offer all our students our 30 day money back guarantee.
The four main ways of funding your studies are:
1. Student loans for residents of England
2. Fee grants for residents of Northern Ireland
3. Flexible payment - Instalment plans, Pay-as-you-go, Pingit and Credit Card payment
1. Student loans for residents of England
Great news! Starting September 2012, if you are applying through RDI to study as a part-time undergraduate UK or EU student residing in England, you're eligible to apply for government funding to cover your tuition fees - just as you would if you were studying for a degree full-time at any UK university. The maximum amount you will be entitled to is £4,500 per year, however, the good news is that RDI fees are set well below this threshold. Also, you don’t repay anything until after graduation, and then not until you’re earning over £21,000! Please click on the option that is relevant to you to download a step-by-step guide on how to apply for student finance:
For further information on eligibility criteria, guides for applying, and repayments, please click here. |
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2. Fee grants for residents of Northern IrelandThe student financial support available depends on household income and intensity of course study. Northern Ireland resident students can apply for a means-tested fee grant of up to £1,230 and a means-tested course grant of up to £265. Please click here for the guide to applying.
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3. Instalment plans and Pay-as-you-go study
We give students the complete price for their course and then we break this down to suit their payment needs. Instalments are available for many programmes but amounts and frequency can vary depending on the awarding university, course or institution. Many programmes allow payment on a per module basis, meaning that you can pay as you go, whilst others offer yearly payments. To reduce any inconvenience we accept Visa, Mastercard and UK Maestro cards for online or telephone payment. Currently we are unable to accept Amex cards for payment. We also accept payment by Barclays Pingit from UK current account holders.
For a full list of course fees, please login and visit our fees page. We’re here to help you so please contact a Programme Advisor today on 0800 268 7737 or +44 (0) 24 765 15700 and we’ll answer all your questions straight away.
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4. Employer sponsorship
Many companies are willing to fully or partly sponsor their employees, so remember to talk to your training manager or human resources director. Many of our students find that their employers are impressed with the self discipline and commitment shown by an employee who completes a distance learning programme in order to further their career. For more details on the benefits employers and employees can enjoy please download our useful sponsorship pdf here. We are happy to answer any questions your employer may have and even talk to your employer direct. We’re here to help you so please contact a Programme Advisor today on 0800 268 7737 or +44 (0) 24 765 15700 and we’ll answer all your questions straight away. |
5. Tesco Reward Vouchers
You can now study towards your university degree or MBA with Tesco Reward vouchers through RDI.
Programmes available include Degrees and Diplomas in Business, Marketing, Finance, Psychology, HRM, Law, Computing, Accounting and Travel & Tourism. Postgraduate programs such as MBAs and Masters are also available in Project Management, Law, HRM, Finance, IT, Telecommunications and many more!
To find RDI's listing on the Tesco Rewards website please click here.
Your next steps
At RDI we understand that choosing the right course for you can be complex. Our expert programme advisors are on hand to ensure you receive all the information you need to make the best decision for you. You can speak to them today on 0800 268 7737.
Comparing the cost of studying
All the distance learning qualifications we offer have exactly the same status as those studied on a university campus so we can make a direct cost comparison. A recent NatWest Student Money Matters survey revealed that sixth formers starting university expect to pay £33,512 for a three-year degree course. As a result, they expect to graduate with £14,779 of debt.
By studying a university degree by distance learning you could save at least £42,791 over the same timescale. You could also be three years further ahead in your career than a full-time university student. So choosing to study a university distance learning qualification with RDI can save you money and progress your career.
| 73% | 41% |
| of RDI students said their employer was receptive to them studying via distance learning and 57% said their employer had offered financial assistance* | of RDI students said they chose distance learning rather than full-time study because of job opportunities* |
To discover more about who studies with RDI and what distance learning is really like - read our student insights here.
*Terms and conditions apply - click here.
