Grants
The Government offers several grants to help with the costs of Higher Education. Grants do not need to be paid back.
Maintenance Grant
The Maintenance Grant is up to £3,250 a year and does not need to be paid back.
This Grant is available for full-time students whose annual household income (including parents' or partner's income) is less than £42,600.
The amount awarded is on a sliding scale, depending on the level of household income.
Grants for disabled students
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, you can get a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to help pay for any equipment and support you need.
Full-time and part-time students are eligible for DSAs on top of any other loans, grants and bursaries.
DSAs are not based on your household income and you don't have to pay this money back. When you apply for your tuition fee loan, explain that you want to apply for a DSA, and the Government will send you a separate form.
Childcare grants
Full-time students with children in registered or approved childcare can apply for a Childcare Grant to help with these costs in term time and holidays.
You may also be eligible for a Parents' Learning Allowance to help with course-related costs. This is on top of any Child Tax Credits for which you may be eligible.
Both the grant and the allowance are based on your household income but you don't have to pay the money back.
When you apply for your tuition fee loan, explain that you want to apply for a Childcare Grant. The Government will send you a separate form.
For full details about the Government's Maintenance Grants, Grants for disabled students and Childcare grants, please see the Gov.uk page on student finance.
