Maintenance Grant & Special Support Grant
Both grants, available from the government, are worth up to £2,835 a year and don’t have to be paid back. How much you get depends on household income. If it’s below £25,000 you get the full whack. Some students may qualify for the Special Support Grant (mainly if you’re on benefits or have children). If you do, you cannot get the Maintenance Grant. The Special Support Grant is not taken into account by Jobcentre Plus.
Bursaries
Universities provide this extra help for students from low income and disadvantaged backgrounds. If you qualify for either a Maintenance or Special Support Grant, you automatically qualify for a Bursary. The amount will change from university to university, but you will never have to pay a penny back.
Access to Learning Fund
Available through college or university, to help students in financial hardship. Young people leaving care are made ‘a priority’ for this support. Apply through your college’s student services department.
Local Authority Support
This varies depending on where you live. Some authorities pay all your rent as well as the cost of book and equipment, travel and any educational trips. Others may only cover the minimum, which is your rent during summer vacation.
