EDUCATION LOAN (UK & COMMONWEALTH)

Studying abroad is expensive and international students have the daunting task of coughing up large sums of money for their education. The following is a brief list of various bodies who can direct students towards possible grants and loans : (i) Universities and Colleges Admissions Services - Students looking for detailed information on higher education courses, entry requirements and application procedures at British Universities, should contact the Universities, should contact the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), www.ucas.ac.uk , Rose Hill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. GL 52 3LZ; Tel : 012442222444; Enquire : 01242 227788.

If somebody is interested in finding out more about international and UK qualifications, contact the UCAS Qualification Hotline ; 01242544900 or log on to www.ucas.com

(ii) British Council Scholarships and Fellowship - The British Council offers full awards for courses on advanced study or research at universities or research institutions in Britain. These awards normally include fees, maintenance and travel and are tenable for one academic year inn most cases. All applications have to be made to the British Council representative locally. An address list of British Council offices can be accessed via www.britcoun.org or from Bridgewater House, 58 Whiteworth Street, Manchester MI 6BB, England. Applications cannot be made from the UK to the British Council office. Closing date of applications is usually the end of October of the year immediately preceding the start of the course. You should start making enquiries at least a year before the commencement of the course.

(iii) United Kingdom Council for Overseas Student Affairs - The majority of the scholarships are given to postgraduate courses. For information on awards/ scholarships for attending undergraduate courses in the UK or in Europe, funded by international agencies such as the UNESCO or the European Commission, you should contact your own country's Ministry of Education or 36 Gordon Square, London WC1H OPF 9-17 St. Alban's Place, London SEI 4YB www.ukcosa.org.uk

(iv) Association of Commonwealth Universities - Students from Commonwealth countries searching for comprehensive information on scholarships tenable at universities on scholarships tenable at universities in the UK and throughout the Commonwealth, should contact the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) at www.acu.ac.uk

(v) The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan for Postgraduate Study and Research : It was set up to enable highly promising students from Commonwealth countries to study at other Commonwealth country's universities, including the United Kingdom. For information on courses and eligibility criteria, contact the Common wealth Scholarships Agency locally. Further information is available from the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

(vi) The Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme : This scheme is a fee-support scheme for overseas postgraduate research students. The awards cover the difference between home and overseas postgraduate tuition fees and are given on the basis of candidate's academic meant and research potential. Applications must be made through recommendation of the proposed institution in the UK, on forms obtainable from the University Registrar. The scheme is administered by UK Universities; 20 Tanistock Square London WC1H 9HQ, www.universitiesuk.ac.uk

(vii) The ODA Shared Scholarship Scheme : The ODA Shared Scholarship Scheme is funded jointly by the Overseas Development Administration and participating UK universities for students from developing Commonwealth countries, on undergraduate and postgraduate courses taught in subjects relevant to the development of the student's country. Applicants must be under 35 and must speak fluent English. For further information on participating institutions, contact the British Council office.