Equivalent or Lower Qualifications (ELQs)
What does this mean?
The government has withdrawn funding to Universities for students who are studying for a qualification that is 'at the same or on a lower level to' a qualification that they have already been awarded.
How could this affect me?
If you are a home (UK) or EU student and already have a degree, for example, and want to do another degree, you may be liable to pay a higher tuition fee amount than the standard rate of the course. This could be at the International tuition fee rate.
Also, you may not be eligible for funding from the government for your fees or living costs.
Please speak to your faculty office or look in the University's fees booklet to find out the tuition fee rate you may be charged.
However, if you have a HND/HNC or Foundation year and want to progress onto a higher level this policy shouldn't affect you.
Please see examples below:
Already have: Want to do: Possible Charge:
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Degree degree/HND/HNC = Higher rate fee
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HND HND/HNC = Higher rate fee
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Masters Degree/HND/HNC = Higher rate fee
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HND/HNC Degree/masters = Standard rate fee
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HNC HND/Degree/masters = Standard rate fee
Are there any exemptions?
Some students are automatically exempt from the ELQ policy, if studying:
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undergraduate medicine, dentistry, social work, nursing or teacher training
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BA Architecture
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Foundation degree
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or if you are a student in receipt of
DSA
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or if you are classed as 'Overseas' (non-EU) for tuition fee purposes.
This list is not exhaustive. We strongly recommend that you check with the University before you commit to your course.
For more information on the ELQ policy, please go to the Higher Education Funding Council for England|.