Fees and funding

The placement year is part of a student’s academic programme and, as students continue to be supported by the University, a tuition fee is payable. However, the placement year fee is much lower than for a year of study on campus, reflecting the fact that learning is taking place primarily in a workplace and not at the University.

The placement year fee equates to 20% of the fee which would be payable for a year of full-time tuition on campus.  This aligns with fees charged by other comparable universities.

The Part I tuition fee ensures Loughborough University can provide specialist support to students before, during and after their placement.  This includes:

• Help to source high quality placement roles
• The promotion of thousands of placement opportunities, many of which are advertised exclusively to Loughborough University students
• Online and individual support with applications, including guidance on CVs, interviews and assessment centres
• Assurance that placements meet legal and health and safety requirements
• Limited travel insurance cover for international placements 
• Advice for students on matters including employment contracts, finance, accommodation and UK work entitlements for Student visa holders
• Support for students with additional needs
• Academic and wellbeing support on placement
• The assessment of academic work to enhance reflection and maximise the placement learning experience
• The award of an additional Diploma alongside the degree, following successful completion of Part I assessments
• Advice and support on the transition back to study

UK students may apply for a student loan to cover tuition fees and support maintenance expenses whilst on placement.  

The financial support available varies depending on a number of factors, including the location of your placement and whether or not you are living at your family home. 

Further information is available from the Student Advice and Support Service.

UK students from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland with a qualifying household income (£25,000 or less per year) may be eligible to receive a Loughborough University Bursary placement start-up grant.

In a continued effort to contribute to the social mobility of our students, Loughborough University offers a bursary scheme for UK undergraduate students from low-income households (less than £25,000 per year) to enable access to unpaid placements. 

Whilst Loughborough University does not support unpaid placements, such opportunities are commonplace in various industry sectors.  By providing these funds, we aim to make these types of placements a realistic aspiration for students who may not otherwise consider them or who would have difficulties supporting themselves financially.

For further information, please contact the Careers Network Diversity and Inclusion Team: future.talent@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk.

If you are taking the Year in Enterprise instead of a work placement, there are two competitive funding schemes open each year via the Loughborough Enterprise Network (LEN): the SKILL-UP fund for early stage businesses and the START-UP fund for more mature businesses. You will be advised and guided through applications to these funds during the year. Terms and conditions apply and a place on the Year in Enterprise does not guarantee that you will be awarded these funds as they are open to all Loughborough students with business ideas.

The UK government's Turing Scheme provides financial support to students undertaking study abroad or work placements outside of the UK.  Funding is not guaranteed and priority will be given to students who are typically under-represented within higher education in the UK and who are taking an exchange or unpaid work placement.

If you are completing a placement year as part of your degree programme, you are usually exempt from paying Council Tax in the UK.  You can download a Council Tax exemption certificate from the Self-Service portal. 

If your local council requires a letter which confirms your home and term-time addresses, they may instead accept a bank letter, which is also available via the Self-Service portal.  You must ensure that your address information is kept up-to-date. 

If a bespoke letter is required (e.g. stating the details of your placement), contact studentrecords@lboro.ac.uk, clearly stating the requirements and your student registration number.

If you are living in a London borough and undertaking your work placement within London, you may be eligible to apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard for discounted travel within London.  You should check the Transport for London (TfL) website for the latest eligibility criteria and application information.