British universities
At 18, British school-leavers with A-levels can apply for a degree course at university. Most of these courses last for three years, and students must pay all of their own accommodation and living costs, and some of their tuition fees. Since 1990, the government has offered student loans to help the situation. The loans are between £3,000 and £5,000 per year depending on whether students live with their parents or away from home, and also whether or not they live in London Students have to pay back their loans when they leave university, but not until their income reaches £10,000 per year. The interest rates are low and there is no deadline for repayment. However, most students find that the loans do not fully meet their needs, so many have to stay in the family home to avoid accommodation costs or take part-time jobs while they are studying.
