University of Sunderland

ELQ information

If you already have a higher education qualification and want to study another course at an equivalent or lower level, then you are classed by the Government as having 'Equivalent or Lower Qualifications' (ELQ) status.

Examples of who would have ELQ status:

• Someone with a Bachelors degree (e.g. a BA or BSc) who wants to study for another Bachelors Level course
• Someone with a PhD degree who wants to study for a Masters level course

In the above examples the students are taking courses which are equivalent to / lower than qualifications that they already hold. For this reason the students have ELQ status.

Examples of who would not have ELQ status:

• A person with a Bachelors degree (e.g. a BA or BSc) who wants to study for a Masters degree (e.g. a MA or MSc)
• A person who has failed a Bachelors degree and wants to study another Bachelors degree

In the above examples the students are taking courses which are at higher levels than qualifications they already hold. For this reason the students do not have ELQ status.

If you have ELQ status then you are not able to receive a Tuition Fee Loan, Maintenance Grant or Maintenance Loan. There are some exceptions, however - if you have ELQ status and are applying for some Social Work courses or undergraduate Initial Teacher Training courses you may be able to apply for a Maintenance Loan.

Contact our Student Financial Advice team for full information.