Money Matters

Fees

The University (rather than the School itself) charges placement students tuition fees at a reduced rate. Overseas students, who normally pay a higher fee, pay the same as other students in the placement year. Students who have some of the fee paid by a Local Education Authority can normally expect this to continue during the placement year, provided the Change of Programme form was completed before Christmas the previous year.

Some students have asked why the fee is charged. During the placement year you retain all the benefits of being a student (including council tax exemption etc), and the placement is counted as two modules totalling 120 credits which are assessed by the School. The assessment includes a visit from a member of staff (for UK based placements), as well as feedback on your developing portfolio at regular intervals through the year.

Fees may be paid in two equal instalments in November and February. Information about payment in two instalments is normally sent out by the University in April, but you may still pay in this way at a later stage. If you get an invoice for the full amount and wish to pay in two instalments, you should contact the Central Student Admin (Accounts Receivable section) on 0113 34 35798 or on 0113 34 36098.

Student loans

For Student Loan enquiries: contact Central Student Administration, Level 10, E.C.Stoner Building on 0113 34 31751.

Council tax

Placement students enjoy the same exemptions as other students, but the University handles it differently, even if you live in Leeds while on placement.
Students based at the University (i.e. not on placement) get exemption certificates. The University treats students on placement differently from those who are based at the University. For placement students the University will produce an official letter stating that you are a student and this should be enough to convince your council that you are exempt from council tax.

To get one of these letters you must ask for it. Please contact the Student Services web site http://www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre/counterservices/services.htm , telephone 0113 343 8877 or email cashservices@leeds.ac.uk.

When you get it (should be within a week of asking) send it to the council. If the council refuses to accept it, the best thing is to get
someone at the council to talk to someone at the Operations Section, Student Office. A good plan would be find the name and phone number of the appropriate person at the council and ask someone at the Student Office to contact them.

Income tax

You should expect to pay income tax, but the company you work for should be able to give you appropriate advice on this if necessary.