Financial help for students

Going to university or college is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can be stressful especially if you are worrying about money.  Before you go it's important to understand the financial implications of higher education. Various types of financial assistance may be available depending on your circumstances.

While at college, there are basically two things to worry about:

•  your contribution to tuition fees; and
•  your living costs. 

Full-time students must contribute towards their university tuition fees, though you may be entitled to have part of them paid for you. It all depends on your income and that of your family. Some part-time students will also get their fees paid, again depending on income.

Types of financial support available

If you are finding it difficult to meet your costs and expenses while studying, you can apply for extra financial help through your college. Note that this help is discretionary and has to be based on your individual circumstances. Contact your admissions tutor or student welfare services section for more details. Types of support might include:

• Travel, books and equipment grant - parents cannot always provide the means for students to buy the books etc they need. Distance between parents and students can also contribute to this.
• Childcare grant - full-time students with dependent children in childcare can get financial support depending on their income and other circumstances. Other benefit entitlements should not be affected by this.
• Dependents grant - if you are a lone parent of have another family member that is dependent on you, you may be eligible.
• School meals grant - if you have dependent children aged 3 to 16 and are receiving a dependent's grant, you may be eligible.
• Care leaver's grant - to assist with accommodation over the long summer break, up to £100 a week may be awarded. You should apply to your LEA for this.
• Access bursaries - these are for full-time student parents who may need extra help because they have children to look after while they are studying.
• Hardship loans and the Hardship Fund help students who are in financial difficulty during their course.

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Financial help for postgraduate study

Prospective postgraduate students should note that it is especially difficult to get local authority grants for this purpose. Other options include:

• Apply to a funding body in your subject area (for example the Economic and Social Research Council for social sciences)
• Your college/university department, or careers advice service will be able to tell you which body to apply to and how to apply.
• Check national newspapers (especially 'The Guardian' on Tuesday or 'The Times Higher Educational Supplement' on Friday) for 'postgraduate studentships', opportunities where a university already has funding for a post. You can also look for 'research assistantships' where the university employs you and you undertake a postgraduate degree as part of your post.
• Look for a part-time teaching post to help fund your postgraduate course, where relevant. Consider other part-time work where not relevant.
• Consider studying part-time. It is usually cheaper and can allow for useful work experience at the same time.
• Pursue other sources of funding such as Career Development Loans.