Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Apply now for 2008/2009 academic year.
Although the scheme is funded by central government, it is administered locally by Wiltshire County Council for the 7,500 students who live in the county. Application packs are now available for help with student finances. These can cover loans for tuition fees and living costs, grants for students from lower income households and allowances for childcare and help with disabilities.

Students currently attending Wiltshire schools or colleges can obtain an application pack through their head of sixth form or student services. To ensure the funding is in place for the start of the autumn term, the recommended date for completion and return of the application form is April 25 for non-income assessed applicants and June 27 for those who wish to be income assessed.

These are not closing dates and applications can still be made after these dates, but funding may not be in place for the start of the academic year. The absolute closing date is nine months after the course start date. Students who are already at university will be sent details of how to re-apply for the next academic year to their home address by the end of March.

If you require an application form, please contact Wiltshire County Council on 01225 713000.