Securing a loan

Does anybody know how to go about getting a loan to study in the UK?  I have no idea where to start.  Do they offer loans that pay for the entire cost of tuition upfront?  Let's say that my tuition for the entire 4 years will be 41,000 Sterling.  In theory, could I take out a student loan for 41,000 Sterling and pay for my entire education at once? 

I am hoping to attend an accredited pharmacy school to get a degree possibly in Pharmacy or as a Pharmacy Technician.

While on the subject, would one be able to get a work permit as a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician if the training was received at an American University/Vocational School?

Do they offer loans that pay for the entire cost of tuition upfront?  Let's say that my tuition for the entire 4 years will be 41,000 Sterling.  In theory, could I take out a student loan for 41,000 Sterling and pay for my entire education at once?

Nope, not a "student loan" anyway.  Pretty much all student loans I've ever come across will only allow you to borrow for one year at a time.

While on the subject, would one be able to get a work permit as a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician if the training was received at an American University/Vocational School?

It's certainly possible, if not probable- you'd need to check with the relevant professional/accreditation society for Pharmacists in the UK and ask them about the validity of foreign credentials.

If you're a Yank, you'll have to get a loan through an American bank, unless you've been living in the UK for quite some time.  Otherwise, you won't have any credit history in the UK and without residency, there's zero chance of getting a UK-based loan.  American banks do offer loans for international schools, there's just the added hassle of currency exchange.  Also, loans are for only 1 year at a time, having to renew every year that you continue your education.  Some money is available through Federal Stafford Loans, but you can always loan the rest through private means like TERI.  Check out http://www.iefc.com for some more info.

here is the problem-- i have 0 dollars to my name and i would like to attend king's college in London if i am accepted.  By that time I should have some money, but definately not the required 20,000 pounds needed for tuition for the entire year..

are there any loans that pay for the cost of living expenses? 

does anyone have any advice as to where to begin so that i migth be able to study for the MPharm in 2007/2008?

thanks!

here is the problem-- i have 0 dollars to my name and i would like to attend king's college in London if i am accepted.  By that time I should have some money, but definately not the required 20,000 pounds needed for tuition for the entire year..

are there any loans that pay for the cost of living expenses? 

does anyone have any advice as to where to begin so that i migth be able to study for the MPharm in 2007/2008?

thanks!

I had the same problem- I've been an undergrad student for the past four years and am pretty much completely financially dependent on my parents, with no savings of my own.  I took out two loans to cover grad school in England- the maximum Stafford loan given to graduate students came up to $18,500 for the year, and then I got an additional $13,000 to cover living expenses through a private loan program.  (Using student loans to cover living expenses is perfectly okay- you should have no issues there.)  The Stafford Loan isn't credit based, but private loan programs are so if you have less than fabulous credit (or very little credit), getting a private loan might be tough.  My mum actually co-signed my private loan so that I could get approved for it. 

One of the more interesting side effects of university being so expensive in America is that there are so many student loans available, even for overseas study.  Financing a degree in the UK solely through student loans is really expensive, but it can be done.

that's very encouraging.  Do you then think it is feasible to be able to keep getting loans every year?  I want to attend for 4 years to receive my MPharm and eventually practice pharmacy in the UK.  I do also plan to work part-time if possible....

My credit is not bad, but it is not necessarily the best.  I think I could probably build some form of credit by using my credit card to pay for a flight to Amsterdam (around feb) and then paying it off immediately with cash..

Anyways do you know how much the Stafford gives to undergrads?  I have no college experience..

I'm kind of scared of the horrendous debt i'll be in.  But with a degree in Pharmacy, the money should roll in quite nicely...