The course of study is 'in the student's academic best interests'
Academic best interests
For study starting on or after 1 January 2013 the 'best interest' category of LFT was narrowed to the student's 'academic best interests'.
Academic best interests is defined as: that the student would be likely to fail their current course of study, for academic reasons, if they undertook a full-time course but would be likely to pass more than half of the course if they studied part-time.
Academic reasons are reasons that relate directly and only to the student's cognitive ability to successfully undertake the course of study.
When considering these applications, MSD needs to use the advice provided by the student and the education provider to determine whether the student meets the definition of 'academic best interests'.
The student's education provider needs to confirm that the student is likely to succeed in completing the course, if given the opportunity to study on a part-time basis. They should also indicate whether they believe the student is likely to need to continue study on a part-time basis beyond the current enrolment period, and why.
Each case must be considered on its merits.
'Best interests' applications before 1 January 2013
Students who have received approval to study part-time under the 'best interests' category prior to 1 January 2013, can continue to study under that approval until the earlier of 31 December 2014 or until the programme is completed, as long as they continue to be eligible in all other respects.
Legislation
- full-time course (definition) regulation 2 Student Allowances Regulations 1998
- Eligibility for certain allowances regulation 12 Students Allowances Regulations 1998
- Chief executive may approve part-time course for student regulation 12A Student Allowances Regulations 1998
