A friend wants to go back into study. She is not working. Would the job centre cover her course fees?

Question

She is living with her partner who is working. She is not working. People say she should register to claim benefit as she has two kids too. She wants to ideally study from home on an open university course as she has two children.

Would the local job centre pay for her course fees if she was claiming benefit on an open university course. If anyone has some handy advice or useful links it would be very handy so i could report back to her.

Answer 1

the OU has a system of helping people with their course fees depending on thier income and outgoings.  she should get a financial assistance pack from them.

Answer 2

as above, i think she can get a grant, but uni is classed as private education so has to be payed for by her, though she can get student loans if that'll help?

Answer 3

well if she is on benefits or tax credits she could get concession off the course, thats as far as it goes...oh and i think a course grant :)

Answer 4

She's get the course for free, all the equipment she needs (in most cases though there are extra books to buy) plus £250 course grant (for a 9 month course)and may be eligible for a £250 computer grant too.

But she'll need to apply for benefits to get the courses for free, she'd still get the benefits too.

Answer 5

this is homeschooling, defined as parents teaching their children at home instead of sending to a public or private school.

But, honestly, your friend should get a job to support her children and if she wants to go back to school, look in to financial aid.