Hi all,
IMHO opinion, depending on personal finnancial situation, an overpriced bond may be a better option than self-sponsoring.
If we do the math, getting a self-sponsored FI rating for 6k GBP and finance it on 18 month, you'll be paying around 400/month. And even though salaries are getting better, it's a lot of cash /month.
On a sponsored FI program you don't pay anything, and in 18/24 months you forget about the story. Even on some of the programs, if you leave early, you pay just a fraction of the bond, not 100% of the value.
If you are lucky to get a better job, great because it's worth paying the bond, and if you finish the contract... lucky too, as you got your FI rating "for free".
By the way... I'm speaking generally. I don't know how it is like for each different school.
Just my 2 cents.
Regards / Pablo