If you are planning to study at Southampton Solent University as a self-funded student, this is where you’ll find everything you need to know about the process.
And if you’re wondering what it means to be a self-funded student, we’re here to let you know that there are two routes which qualify. These are:
- Students who are paying their own fees (without the help of UK undergraduate student loans or organisational sponsors).
- Students who are in receipt of private loans or postgraduate student loans.
Please note: Solent University does not currently administer advanced learner loans. With this in mind, we aren’t able to provide you with a learning and funding information letter, should you apply for a loan. Please visit our tuition fee payments page for more information about paying your fees or visit our discounts page to find out what discounts you might be entitled to as a self-funding student.
Before we get started, if you require financial advice or are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact our friendly student funding advice team.
When do I pay?
All tuition fees need to be paid annually, in full, prior to the start of your studies.
For students on courses of less than a year’s duration, payment should be made in full prior to course registration.
For students on courses of at least one year’s duration, arrangements may be made for payment of the annual tuition fee in instalments, either through standard instalment plans offered during online registration, or by contacting the income team.
Please note: students must have a payment plan for any unpaid course fees with a defined method of payment in place with the University prior to registration on their course.
Important to know: if tuition fees aren’t paid in line with a student’s chosen payment option, the full amount of the annual fee will be due immediately.
When do overseas and non-settled-status EU students pay?
In addition to the above, under the UK's points-based immigration system, universities sponsoring students need to be sure that students have enough funds to meet the cost of their course fees and living expenses, and those of any accompanying family members without working and without claiming state benefit. The University will require:
- Self-funded overseas and non-settled status students from the EU to pay 50% of their annual tuition fees before a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is forwarded to the applicant for visa purposes.
- 50% of fees to be paid before registration on the course.
- 50% of fees to be paid before work placement or exchange.
Early payment discount
At Solent, we offer a 3% discount for students who make full payment for their self-funded course fees prior to completing enrolment on their course, excluding Warsash Maritime School and short courses.
The discount will be applied to your student account in Gateway after you successfully enrol on your course.
Late payments
A student is an overdue debtor to Southampton Solent University if they:
- Fail to pay any fees and charges by the specified due dates or fail to meet agreed payment plans.
- Fail to return or pay for the replacement cost of any library book, software, equipment or kit issued on loan.
Sanctions are imposed on students who fail to pay tuition fees and other related fees by the due date and on those students who have defaulted on agreed payment plans.
Where the debt is for non-tuition fees, or low-level tuition fee debt, the University will issue a warning which gives students the opportunity to pay before the following sanctions are imposed:
- A late payment fee of £50.
- A block on registering on a new course.
- Non-attendance at the graduation ceremony.
- Referral to a collection agency and possible legal action.
In addition, where the debt is for a high level of tuition fees due, the following additional sanctions may be imposed:
- A block on using the University's IT network and software, including Solent Online Learning.
- A block on progression on their course.
- Withdrawal from their course.
- Awards and certificates withheld For information on missed and late payments please refer to the student debtor policy.
If you are having trouble paying your tuition fees, please contact the income team to discuss your eligibility for a payment plan in the first instance.
