Tuition & funding
How to finance your online programme is an important consideration for all students. At the University of Birmingham, we have outlined some of the popular funding options that are available to help support the cost of your programme.
To find out how much you should expect to pay, please view the tuition page for your programme of choice.
Your funding options
These funding methods are just some of the options available. Our financial guide for postgraduate students contains more information about these and other less well-known funding options.
Apply for employer funding
A recent study highlighted that 52% of employers offered reimbursement for upskilling or re-skilling programmes, while 69% covered most or all of their employees tuition costs.1
Ask your HR department or manager if they would consider reimbursing your programme tuition fees to improve your value to the company.
4 ways online degrees benefit you and your employer
The following points may be useful when you speak to your employer about funding.
- Become a more effective employee
As an online student with the University of Birmingham, you will be able to apply your new skills and insights immediately in your role. You don’t have to wait until you graduate to add value to your organisation.
2. Save your company money
By contributing to your education, your employer is securing your future with the business, saving them money on interviewing, hiring and training someone else. On average, it costs 6–9 months’ salary to replace an employee.2
3. Study around work commitments
100% online learning gives you the flexibility to study around your existing work commitments, so there’s no need to take a career break to further your development.
4. Demonstrate your value
Point out how your unique skills benefit the business. Over half of companies agree to fund employee upskilling or re-skilling, highlighting the value that employers place on retaining top talent.1
References:
1. UNKNOWN (2019) Closing the Skills Gap: 2019 Research Report. Wiley Education Services [online] Available at: <https://edservices.wiley.com/closing-the-skills-gap-report-2019/> [Accessed 30.06.2020]
2. MERHAR, C. (2020) Employee Retention – The Real Cost of Losing an Employee. People Keep [online] Available at: <https://www.peoplekeep.com/blog/employee-retention-the-real-cost-of-losing-an-employee> [Accessed 30.06.2020]