Government Funded Student Support

If you are a full-time undergraduate UK* student who has dependent children, you may be eligible for the following supplementary grants;

* For full information on how entitlement to Student Support is assessed, please visit the UKCISA website.

Childcare Grant

This grant covers up to 85% of the cost of childcare during both term time and vacations, up to a maximum of £148.75 per week if you have one child. The grant is means tested, so the amount you receive will depend on your household income.

Parents' Learning Allowance

This is intended to help with study costs such as books, travel and materials. This grant is means tested, and the maximum amount available for 2012/13 is £1,508.

More Information

For further information on both of the above grants, visit the Gov.uk website.

You can apply for both these grants when you apply for your other financial support. See Applying for Loans and Grants for further information.

If you are a Scottish student with children, visit the Student Awards Agency for Scotland website to see what support might be available to you.

Benefits

Some students who have dependent children or a disability are entitled to claim benefits, such as Housing Benefit or Child Tax Credits, while they study. The rules concerning claiming benefits as a student are complex, and you should contact the Advice and Representation Centre for further advice if you think that you may be entitled.

The Access to Learning Fund

The Government gives the university money every year for us to support students who need extra financial aid because they have higher than expected costs (such as single parents) or if they face financial problems during their course. You can get help from the Fund to meet course related costs such as books/equipment, travel to university or for general living costs such as rent and childcare. If you qualify for a grant from the Fund, it will not have to be repaid. For further details of the scheme please visit our Access to Learning Fund page.