Bishop99 is correct, the interest rate on the HSBC loan is 2% above the base rate.
Reverand Lovejoy - regarding the finance. It is not guaranteed, however assuming that you have the necessary security, and present the bank with a sound buisness plan, you should find no problems in securing finance. To my knowledge, very few people are refused the loan (assuming they meet the requirements).
As for the other £10k, I'm afraid that must come from personal funds. Also bear in mind that the cost of the OAT APP-FO doesn't include accomodation (in the UK) or food, so you would obviously have to budget for that too.
Hope this helps,
Alan
P.S.
I would advise checking out the OAT forums (they are back online now) as there is a lot of information there.
Last edited by asuweb; 10th April 2006 at 18:47.