Funding for Masters degree

[russda_man]

Hi

I have to pay £10,000 back from feb 2011. I am having a year out from RNCM until Sep 2010. I have no money at all! I know I could possibly have about £2000 in a year in the bank through teaching and income support. But still don't think I should return as the course (MMus) fee is £6,600, and accomodation about £4000. Does anyone think I should apply for MBF scholarships, arts council grants, local trusts etc., or like me do you think that I would still not be able to obtain enough?

Thanks
Russell

[mjverona]

Apply for everything possible.  Leave no stone unturned.  Don't wait.  Tuition goes up practically every year.  You can pick up extra cash teaching while in school.
Good Luck.

[Bob]

All at once or in payments?

[quantum]

Spend a lot of time thinking through those applications.  Don't just do it in 5 mins and expect to get something out of it.  

Think of award applications as an audition, you have to impress the committee. Why should they choose you out of thousands of applicants to give their money.  Make sure you have perfect spelling and grammar.  Proof read, then proof read again.  I've had profs who sat on committees and have had to decide close calls - sometimes it comes down to a misspelled word to make a decision.  

IMO, best way to fund a degree is to not depend on student loans.  Spend time saving up money before school.  It may take years, but is much better than paying decades of interest back. 

[russda_man]

All at once or in payments?

About £160 a month for five years for the loan repayment. £2200 every three months for the course fee total of £6600, and for the accomodation about £1600 from September to December, the same for the next three months, and about £800 for the next. I'm thinking about moving into a flat with students, as that will take the pressure off gathering £1600 before September!

Thanks