If you're an offer-holder and you're not sure how to complete the Financial Guarantee (FG), look no further!
For most of you, this should be a fairly simple form to complete. Below are some Top Tips and Frequently Asked Questions.
My course has an optional fourth year - what should I put for 'Course Duration' in Section A?
Your FG needs to show that you can afford to study your chosen course here. You do not need to guarantee more than three years of funding if the additional year(s) are optional, i.e. for Maths, Computer Science, Natural Sciences. A guarantee for four years of funding is only required for AMES, MML, History & ML, Engineering, the 4-year Classics course; or six years for Medicine. Top tip: If you are applying for funding for your course (e.g. for a Student Loan) you should apply for the maximum number of years that you are likely to be on the course - it's easier to cancel the additional year than to add an extra one.
What evidence do I need to send with the FG?
You do not need to send any evidence, but we reserve the right to request additional evidence of available funds as we see fit.
I haven't yet received confirmation from my application to Student Finance - should I wait and send the FG when I have it?
No, we need the FG in time for the deadline given. You do not need to submit anything from Student Finance along with the FG. We're happy for you to use the Student Finance and Cambridge Bursary calculators to work out what you think you're entitled to and for you to use this figure. Please do let us know if your entitlement ends up being different to what you put on the FG.
How do I apply to Student Finance?
See our Financial Information for Offer Holders page.
How do I apply for the Cambridge Bursary?
No separate application is required - you will automatically be considered for it if you apply for a means-tested Student Loan and agree to share the information with your institutions. If you are not intending to apply, or are not eligible for Student Finance, you will still need to go through this process but you do not to take up any loan offered. There is no way to apply for the Cambridge Bursary outside of the Student Finance system.
Higher amounts are available for medical students in their clinical years, independent students including care leavers, and students who were eligible for free school meals. Eligibility for higher amounts will be assessed by the College's admissions office.
What is the College Fee?
The vast majority of Home students don't need to pay the College Fee. If you are studying for your first degree and are eligible for a Tuition Fee loan (regardless of whether you actually apply for one) you are exempt from the College Fee. Students studying for a second degree ('Affiliated Students') or those who have Overseas or Islands fee status have to pay this fee.
Who should be my Guarantor (Section D)?
You cannot be your own guarantor. For most people, it will be a parent/guardian/family member.
Who should can witness the signatures (Section D)?
Anyone who knows you. It doesn't need to be a member of a particular profession but it should not be someone in your family.
My course has an optional fourth year - what should I put for 'Course Duration' in section A?
Your FG needs to show that you can afford to study your chosen course here. You do not need to prove that you have more than three years of funding if the additional year(s) are optional, i.e. for Maths, Computer Science, Natural Sciences. Evidence for four years of funding is only required for AMES, MML, History & ML, Engineering, the 4-year Classics course; or six years for Medicine. Top tip: if you are applying for funding for your course (e.g. the Cambridge Overseas Trusts, or another external body) you should apply for the maximum number of years that you are likely to be on the course - it's easier to cancel the additional year than to add an extra one.
What is the College Fee and why do I have to pay it?
All Peterhouse students are liable for the College Fee - for Home students, this fee is paid for by the government. For more information on what the College Fee covers, see the University website.
How do I complete Section C?
You should provide evidence of any and all sources of finance you have available. Your form needs to demonstrate that your parents or supporters can support you by providing at least the amount required whilst also having enough money to live on and support any dependents. If your family contribution is going act as your funding source, you must list the amount of savings available to you (and calculating the amount available per year) and the proportion of any future income you intend to use (e.g. '40% of father's income'). Any personal funds should also be displayed in this way. All funding in Section C must be accompanied by paper evidence - usually a bank statement, letter from an employer, or a letter from an external funder (e.g. the Jardine Scholarship).
I haven't heard the result of my application to the Cambridge Overseas Trust - can I submit my Financial Guarantee after the results have been released?
No, please list this and any other scholarships you have applied to in Section C, 4.
Who should be my Guarantor (Section D)?
You cannot be your own guarantor. For most people, it will be a parent/guardian/family member.
Who should can Witness the signatures (Section D)?
Anyone who knows you. It doesn't need to be a member of a particular profession but it should not be someone in your family.
What if I can't find the amount needed?
Ultimately a satisfactory Financial Guarantee is a condition of entry. Failure to provide a satisfactory guarantee will mean that your place will not be confirmed and we will not be able to sponsor you for a visa. You have until the 31st August to meet your conditions but this is a hard deadline - do not leave arranging finance to the last minute and please try and meet the deadlines set.