Finance

Courses at UU

Employers are increasingly looking for someone with a university degree. Having a university education will greatly enhance employment opportunities.

Education is an investment in your future

All UK universities charge Tuition Fees which are paid for every year of the course. Fees may differ for different regions within the UK and for different universities.

Therefore, Tuition Fees and funding are an important consideration.

Tuition Fees

At Ulster students will not only graduate with an excellent academic degree, and a well-rounded student experience, but also with less debt. Check out our fees below for Northern Ireland, GB and EU/ROI students.

Students can defer payment of these fees until after graduation by taking out a tuition fees loan. There is also financial support for living expenses from the government and the University. The different types of fees and support are explained below:

Northern Ireland Students

Tuition Fees for 2012/13: £3,465 per annum

Help is at hand:

  • Tuition Fees Loan (not means-tested): Students can take out a Tuition Fees Loan annually to cover all or part of their fees. The Loan is available to all students and is not means-tested. Students do not have to pay this back until they have graduated and are earning over a certain level of salary in full-time employment (currently £15,795 per annum).

  • Student Maintenance Loans (means-tested). These loans are available for living costs such as rent, food, travel and course materials. As this loan is means-tested, students will receive different amounts. The maintenance loan, like the Tuition Fees Loan, is repayable after a student graduates and is earning above a certain level of income (currently £15,795).

  • Grants (means-tested – do not have to be paid back). Grants are available from the government to help meet the cost of going to University. Grants are also means-tested, but unlike loans, do not have to be paid back.

  • Ulster Bursaries (means-tested – do not have to be paid back). Bursaries help students meet the costs associated with their course. Bursaries, like grants, do not have to be repaid. The amount of bursary depends on family income and on the level of fees charged for the course. Generally speaking students who receive a government grant will also receive a bursary.

    • You can find out all about Tuition Fees, Maintenance Loans, Grants and Bursaries at www.studentfinanceni.co.uk

    GB students (England, Scotland and Wales)

Tuition Fee for 2012/13: £6,000 per annum

Fees do not have to be paid upfront – a Tuition Fees Loan can be taken out, and students can defer paying this back until they have graduated and are earning over a certain amount of income.

Find out more about student finance at:

Funding arrangements for students from England, Scotland and Wales may vary. For more information and to get in contact, visit our Study in Northern Ireland section. Also, you can find out more about finance by visiting your relevant funding body website.

EU/Republic of Ireland students

Tuition Fees for 2012/13: £3,465 (sterling) per annum.

The fees do not have to be paid upfront – a Tuition Fees Loan can be taken out, and you can defer paying this back until you have graduated and are earning over a certain amount of income. This is currently £15,795 a year. As a Republic of Ireland student, you can transfer your Maintenance Awards to Northern Ireland.

  • Advantages to studying at Ulster:
    • Cheaper overall cost of living
    • Access to NHS medical services
    • No prescription charges
    • Defer payment of Fees
    • No Student Services Charge or Student Levy
    • Reasonably priced accommodation – guaranteed if you make Ulster your First Choice!
    • Excellent bus and rail links to the Republic of Ireland