Need some urgent advice/ pointers:
a)- recently granted UK citizenship (by descent) & currently applying for a masters in either Scotland/England (international student fees DO apply),
b)- land in UK before 1st semester, but haven't decided exactly when,
c)- study options either full time (1 year) or part-time (2 years).

Busy finalising household budget for 2011/12:
1. financial obligations are fairly obvious, but unsure of where there may be some relief in the short term while I study (as they apply to my circumstances) e.g.- eligibility for welfare/state benefits, student loans, housing/rent allowance, etc. ?
2. this may be different depending on FT or part-time study ?

======= Date Modified 26 Feb 2011 12:08:31 =======
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/welfare.php

that should pretty much answer your questions.

Hi
career development loans are available for post grad courses and you will be able to find information on eligibility on the link below, I'm not sure if your citizenship status will allow to apply

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/CareerDevelopmentLoans/DG_10033237

But you may be able to find some more information on benefits etc from the direct gov website

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/index.htm

or even from the citizens advice bureau

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

hope some of this is helpful

thanks monkey- I have not received my passport yet but have received UK citizenship approval based on descent. I doubt "no recourse to public funds" will therefore be stamped into my passport but will just have to wait and see. I mean if I'm a UK citizen then I'm assuming I will have access to public funds/ assistance- if eligible (& if required)....regardless of how long I've been a citizen for..... right?.

I do know I have to pay international fees though, due to the requirement to have been in the country for 3 years prior, to qualify as a 'home' student.

Good info Pixie- I'm sure I can apply for these- I mean I'm granted citizenship, (not PR, not student visa)....the reason I'm paying international fees would be the 3-year rule, having just landed....will read through the UKM Guide again to try and make sure whether there could be financial 'net' in case things go wrong .....