Warning: the content within this page reflects the information available to students in the 2013/14 academic year. As such, this information may no longer be factually accurate.
The financial support options available to students in Wales changed from 1 September 2014. Tuition Fee Loans replaced the fee grant system and new part-time students apply to Student Finance Wales (SFW) for a Part-time Tuition Fee Loan.
The changes do not affect the amount a student resident in Wales will pay. Fee levels will be subject to limited inflationary increases only, as in previous years.
If a student has been awarded a fee grant to pay their tuition fees since 1 September 2012 there is no change to the support available or how they access it providing they are still eligible.
The headings below to show how a student may be affected.
If a student has studied a module which counts towards an Open University qualification since 1 September 2012 and has used a Fee Grant to pay their tuition fees they will continue to be able to do so subject to eligibility. They will need to study towards their qualification in each academic year (which runs from 1 September to 31 August) until they have completed it or the transitional financial support arrangements cease.
Please note the deadline for financial support applications for modules starting in October 2015 is 13 August and for modules starting in February 2016 is 10 December 2015.
Further information about the financial support available, including eligibility is available from Funding your studies.
If a student does not currently pay their tuition fees using a fee grant these changes should not affect them.
If their financial circumstances have changed they may still be able to apply for a means-tested fee grant, as long as:
To keep their eligibility for a fee grant, students will need to study a module which can count towards their qualification in each academic year (which runs from 1 September to 31 August) until they have completed it or the transitional financial support arrangements cease. For further information please visit Funding your studies.
Please visit our eligibility checker for more information.
If a student is not aiming for a specific qualification they can still study standalone modules as before. However, so that we can provide students with the right information and guidance throughout their studies we recommend that students update their study goal in StudentHome.
If a student's circumstances have changed and they would now like to study towards a qualification they can contact The Open University in Wales on 0300 303 5303 or email to discuss their options.
If a student is studying towards a qualification that started before 1 September 2012, these qualifications will be withdrawn between 2014 and 2017 (with the exception of the Open Degree which will be withdrawn in 2019). To receive their qualification, students must complete the required credits before the withdrawal date.
Please talk to your Student Support Team if you need any further information. You can find out how to contact them on Contact the OU.
Gallech gysylltu â ni yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg. You can contact us in Welsh or English.
