Graduate medicine Loans

Agnieszka_88

R.Devaney wrote: »

Does your personal development loan cover the amount required for these fees?

I talked to my branch manager (deutsche bank) and from what he said, the details will have to be worked out after I get accepted, but 60k+ should not be a problem as some people request (and get) twice as much for an mba, which is a less secure investment. I will have to prove that I have enough savings to cover the living costs, but the conditions are actually not that bad, better than what the Irish banks are offering.

Agnieszka_88

Hypnos wrote: »

It is a required stipulation. Your residency is taken into account and you have to* have completed your degree in a HEA funded scheme. Pretty much set in stone for BOI. It's one of their terms. Though residency kind of goes hand in hand with it except in very few exceptional cases.

Are you certain? It doesn't make much sense, you don't need an Irish degree to get accepted. I talked to UL and they didn't mention it, just that I'm not eligible because it's been so long since I've lived in ROI.

Hypnos

R.Devaney wrote: »

You'd wonder then how the course is offered to EU students but without any funding, which makes it impossible for most. This change in banks sounds like a recent thing so they might find a way to work things out for UK students.. one can hope

There are countless rich people in Europe and across the world.

Hypnos

Agnieszka_88 wrote: »

Are you certain? It doesn't make much sense, you don't need an Irish degree to get accepted. I talked to UL and they didn't mention it, just that I'm not eligible because it's been so long since I've lived in ROI.

Yes I am certain. I had a meeting with the person in charge of the loans in April. That stipulation was recited to me. You need an Irish degree to get a loan from BOI not get accepted to med school. Well you have your reasons but that is one too. I was asked where I got my degree and was told that it has to be in Ireland (not even N. Ireland or UK is acceptable).

R.Devaney

Agnieszka_88 wrote: »

I talked to my branch manager (deutsche bank) and from what he said, the details will have to be worked out after I get accepted, but 60k+ should not be a problem as some people request (and get) twice as much for an mba, which is a less secure investment. I will have to prove that I have enough savings to cover the living costs, but the conditions are actually not that bad, better than what the Irish banks are offering.

That's pretty promising. I hope the same applies for UK banks. Best of luck with your application and finances Agnieszka and thanks for providing a possible alternative to Irish banks

R.Devaney

Hypnos wrote: »

There are countless rich people in Europe and across the world.

Very true Hypnos. If any of them are reading this thread and have altruistic tendencies, I have a paypal account that you can donate to help fund a possible future med school applicant. Failing that I'll just enquire within the UK banks. Thanks for the help

R.Devaney

Agnieszka_88 wrote: »

Are you certain? It doesn't make much sense, you don't need an Irish degree to get accepted. I talked to UL and they didn't mention it, just that I'm not eligible because it's been so long since I've lived in ROI.

It doesn't seem to be a problem in regards to getting accepted on the course. Just financing it with Irish banks. If you can get your Deutsche bank loan then, by the sounds of it, it should be all ok (I think).

Hypnos

R.Devaney wrote: »

Very true Hypnos. If any of them are reading this thread and have altruistic tendencies, I have a paypal account that you can donate to help fund a possible future med school applicant. Failing that I'll just enquire within the UK banks. Thanks for the help

Hahaha, I don't think that anyone who can afford it would be hanging around loan forums. I think that the term 'loan' is foreign to them. Next thing is that there are higher caliber universities that offer medicine out there where the richies tend to be. Sure if you have the money wouldn't you want the best? If I was super rich I'd be applying to J.Hop, Harvard, Oxford etc...

R.Devaney

Hypnos wrote: »

Hahaha, I don't think that anyone who can afford it would be hanging around loan forums. I think that the term 'loan' is foreign to them. Next thing is that there are higher caliber universities that offer medicine out there where the richies tend to be. Sure if you have the money wouldn't you want the best? If I was super rich I'd be applying to J.Hop, Harvard, Oxford etc...

Ahhhh we'll just have to find us a rich wife so Hypnos aha

Agnieszka_88

R.Devaney wrote: »

Ahhhh we'll just have to find us a rich wife so Hypnos aha

Or maybe we could try crowdfuding?

Hypnos

R.Devaney wrote: »

Ahhhh we'll just have to find us a rich wife so Hypnos aha

Oh! Actually I have a really funny story with regards to that. I'd feel bad posting it on the internet though XD

Agnieszka_88 wrote: »

Or maybe we could try crowdfuding?

60K? You'll be fundraising for quite a while before you gather. I suggest we start 10 years ago maybe

Agnieszka_88

Hypnos wrote: »

60K? You'll be fundraising for quite a while before you gather. I suggest we start 10 years ago maybe

Where's the doctor when you need him?

R.Devaney

Hypnos wrote: »

Oh! Actually I have a really funny story with regards to that. I'd feel bad posting it on the internet though XD


I can only imagine.. haha

Agnieszka_88

Actually, R., that made me wonder: why do you want to study in Ireland? You could try the UK, you'd get loans for fees and maintenance from the student finance and the nhs grant, the application process is similar (apart from the interviews), so why here?

R.Devaney

Agnieszka_88 wrote: »

Actually, R., that made me wonder: why do you want to study in Ireland? You could try the UK, you'd get loans for fees and maintenance from the student finance and the nhs grant, the application process is similar (apart from the interviews), so why here?

Good question (I'm asking myself too!). I grew up in London and have never lived in Ireland, but spent all my summers there and would like to ultimately move over. I figured studying in Ireland would give me an extra 4 years to live there but it seems to come at some expense! The only place in the UK I would be interested in studying (due to family having a house) would be the London schools but I hear they are ultra ultra competitive. I guess if you score well in the GAMSAT, GEM in Ireland is a simpler route, and slightly less competitive than in London. Whats your thoughts?

R.Devaney

Agnieszka_88 wrote: »

Actually, R., that made me wonder: why do you want to study in Ireland? You could try the UK, you'd get loans for fees and maintenance from the student finance and the nhs grant, the application process is similar (apart from the interviews), so why here?

Plus my undergrad degree is unrelated to biology or organic chemistry (Geology) and I thought that would hold me back from possibly gaining a place in the UK

Agnieszka_88

R.Devaney wrote: »

Good question (I'm asking myself too!). I grew up in London and have never lived in Ireland, but spent all my summers there and would like to ultimately move over. I figured studying in Ireland would give me an extra 4 years to live there but it seems to come at some expense! The only place in the UK I would be interested in studying (due to family having a house) would be the London schools but I hear they are ultra ultra competitive. I guess if you score well in the GAMSAT, GEM in Ireland is a simpler route, and slightly less competitive than in London. Whats your thoughts?

I've been thinking about trying the UK, so I did a lot of research, and yes, GEM is more competitive than in Ireland, but also cheaper and it also has a longer history, so it's a bit better organised. 4 schools use the GAMSAT, and since the exam is seen as an equivalent of college level science education, they don't require a science undergrad degree. The 3 I've been thinking about are SGUL, Notts and Swansea, all three are great courses. SGUL is probably the most competitive, since it's in London, but it's doable. I don't remember the GAMSAT cut-off, don't have my notes here, but I can check on Monday. Anyway, if you meet their criteria and get invited for an interview, it's all up to you. The thing that I find the most difficult for the UK schools is that they all require you to have some sort of experience in health care, to talk about in the interview and to prove that you're making an informed decision. Some people go really overboard with this, quit their jobs and start working as a HCA or something, but in reality it all depends on how well you can sell your experience, what you've learned about yourself and your future job, so volunteering for a longer period of time plus maybe shadowing a doctor or two are usually enough.
If you're looking for more detailed information you can write me a private message (seriously, I have mountains of notes, I'm the queen of colour-coded file holders and yes, it does look scary) or you can check New Media Medicine. It's a forum and it's full of useful information, but it will probably take you months to comb through all that.

R.Devaney

Agnieszka_88 wrote: »

I've been thinking about trying the UK, so I did a lot of research, and yes, GEM is more competitive than in Ireland, but also cheaper and it also has a longer history, so it's a bit better organised. 4 schools use the GAMSAT, and since the exam is seen as an equivalent of college level science education, they don't require a science undergrad degree. The 3 I've been thinking about are SGUL, Notts and Swansea, all three are great courses. SGUL is probably the most competitive, since it's in London, but it's doable. I don't remember the GAMSAT cut-off, don't have my notes here, but I can check on Monday. Anyway, if you meet their criteria and get invited for an interview, it's all up to you. The thing that I find the most difficult for the UK schools is that they all require you to have some sort of experience in health care, to talk about in the interview and to prove that you're making an informed decision. Some people go really overboard with this, quit their jobs and start working as a HCA or something, but in reality it all depends on how well you can sell your experience, what you've learned about yourself and your future job, so volunteering for a longer period of time plus maybe shadowing a doctor or two are usually enough.
If you're looking for more detailed information you can write me a private message (seriously, I have mountains of notes, I'm the queen of colour-coded file holders and yes, it does look scary) or you can check New Media Medicine. It's a forum and it's full of useful information, but it will probably take you months to comb through all that.

Amazing! And I'll definitely have to check out that forum. I would be really grateful if I could message you about that. I'm currently sitting some exams from this monday to next tuesday so haven't got the most free time ever until thats finished. Would it be ok to contact you after that? I'd like to hear of your plans also. Thanks Agnieszka

Hypnos

I would jump at a chance to do medicine in the UK. Especially in Nottingham university since they accept the gamsat right? Finances just hold me back and I'm stuck here.

Agnieszka_88

R.Devaney wrote: »

Amazing! And I'll definitely have to check out that forum. I would be really grateful if I could message you about that. I'm currently sitting some exams from this monday to next tuesday so haven't got the most free time ever until thats finished. Would it be ok to contact you after that? I'd like to hear of your plans also. Thanks Agnieszka

No problem, just write whenever!

Hypnos wrote: »

I would jump at a chance to do medicine in the UK. Especially in Nottingham university since they accept the gamsat right? Finances just hold me back and I'm stuck here.

Notts seems amazing, and yes they do. I'll have to move anyway (no GEM on the continent), so for me the UK is really the cheaper option, especially outside of London.

House_QC

The more I read the various threads on this forum, the more I realise I know very little about the Irish GEM courses and the implications of studying in Ireland. Even the CAO system is alien to me. I was obviously too busy thinking about the GAMSAT to read the small print about course preferences. I thought I could get four offers like the UCAS system in the UK and then pick whichever one I wanted once the offers came in. I put UCD as my first choice but having read the various funding threads, I wonder whether I should consider putting UCC as my first choice (assuming I don't want PBL in Limerick).

The main attraction to Ireland is that I can start a GEM in September 2013 rather than having to wait until September 2014 in the UK. Plus less hurdles to jump over after doing the GAMSAT, i.e. health care experience, personal statement, interviews, etc.

How does the Irish system work once you complete the GEM course? Is there a two year F1/F2 cycle followed by approx. 3-8 years specialisation like in the UK? If I wanted to work in the UK as an F1 junior doctor afterwards, would that be easily done or would I have to work in Ireland? I've never been motivated by financial gain but is there much difference between the salaries of junior doctors in Ireland v UK, for example? Or Australia for that matter?

My research starts now...

nerrad01

House_QC wrote: »

The more I read the various threads on this forum, the more I realise I know very little about the Irish GEM courses and the implications of studying in Ireland. Even the CAO system is alien to me. I was obviously too busy thinking about the GAMSAT to read the small print about course preferences. I thought I could get four offers like the UCAS system in the UK and then pick whichever one I wanted once the offers came in. I put UCD as my first choice but having read the various funding threads, I wonder whether I should consider putting UCC as my first choice (assuming I don't want PBL in Limerick).

The main attraction to Ireland is that I can start a GEM in September 2013 rather than having to wait until September 2014 in the UK. Plus less hurdles to jump over after doing the GAMSAT, i.e. health care experience, personal statement, interviews, etc.

How does the Irish system work once you complete the GEM course? Is there a two year F1/F2 cycle followed by approx. 3-8 years specialisation like in the UK? If I wanted to work in the UK as an F1 junior doctor afterwards, would that be easily done or would I have to work in Ireland? I've never been motivated by financial gain but is there much difference between the salaries of junior doctors in Ireland v UK, for example? Or Australia for that matter?

My research starts now...

loans wise you would be better with UL as ulster bank only offers loans to UL, whereas BOI offers loans with a guarantor to all 4 colleges so UCC has no advantage loans wise

pc11

nerrad01 wrote: »

loans wise you would be better with UL as ulster bank only offers loans to UL, whereas BOI offers loans with a guarantor to all 4 colleges so UCC has no advantage loans wise

In addition, if he's not an Irish resident he will not get the BOI loans, end of story. Not sure about Ulster Bank, they are more flexible.

So, that means UL is his only possibility.

cmac28

Hey everybody, just a quick post to check there is anybody knocking about the boards from NI and who have managed to get a loan. I've private messaged a few, but with no luck. If anybody has people from the north in their class (limerick specifically), would you be able to put them in touch with me?? Appreciate any help!!

Ellymay3

cmac28 wrote: »

Hey everybody, just a quick post to check there is anybody knocking about the boards from NI and who have managed to get a loan. I've private messaged a few, but with no luck. If anybody has people from the north in their class (limerick specifically), would you be able to put them in touch with me?? Appreciate any help!!

I got you covered man, check your inbox!:D

amorris452

cmac28 wrote: »

Hey everybody, just a quick post to check there is anybody knocking about the boards from NI and who have managed to get a loan. I've private messaged a few, but with no luck. If anybody has people from the north in their class (limerick specifically), would you be able to put them in touch with me?? Appreciate any help!!

Hey there, I'm in the same boat! You heading to UL this year? Similarly, any help from anyone who's been there, done that would be much appreciated!

Ellymay3

I'm from the north. I got my loan etc. What do you need to know?

WoolahUrma

I was just on too the student finance people and they tell me that the student grant is available for gem.

Can anyone clarify this?

Being an eu student you get the 50% off but what about the student grant?

nomoreexams

WoolahUrma wrote: »

I was just on too the student finance people and they tell me that the student grant is available for gem.

Can anyone clarify this?

Being an eu student you get the 50% off but what about the student grant?

It's only available for gem if you currently hold a level 7 degree (ie and ordinary bachelors degree) and you'd now be upgrading, in a manner of words, to a level 8 course.

pc11

WoolahUrma wrote: »

I was just on too the student finance people and they tell me that the student grant is available for gem.

Can anyone clarify this?

Being an eu student you get the 50% off but what about the student grant?

Unless there has been a major change somewhere, definitely not. Who said this to you, can I ask?

You can't get a grant for a second degree, and by definition we all have a degree already just to apply for GEM.

See the fifth question here:

http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp7919/maintenance-grant/index.html