introduction

A recent survey carried out by the Open University found that many prospective students were put off from entry into higher education because of their fears of getting into debt. They tended to have little idea of how much higher education would cost, under-estimating students' income and expenditure and over-estimating students' final debt.

Many of the school leavers who took part in the research felt that it was hard to obtain accurate, reliable information about student financial support. Indeed, the complexity of student funding arrangements often impeded entry into higher education, especially from under-represented groups such as those from low income families.

Over recent years sources of student financial support have changed considerably. These changes make it harder for young people, adults and parents to understand what money is available to support students through further and higher education.

Fear of debt should not be a barrier to participation in further learning, for young people or for adults who wish to return. These publications have been written to help students and adult learners overcome this fear and apply for further study armed with the most up-to-date financial facts.