The Parent Student

Student Loans

Loans are a big help at the time but may be a bane for years to come. You can apply for ’student finance’ (which incorporates both loans and grants) from the directgov website – you may be eligible to borrow up to £3,145 to cover tuition fees and up to £6,475 a year to help [...]

University grants

Universities in the UK are now offering grants to students from lower income families. If you apply for and receive the maximum Maintenance Grant OR Special Support Grant as well as paying full tuition fees of £3,145, you will be eligible for an additional bursary from your university of at least £310. A comprehensive list [...]

Undergraduates: Where to begin?

The best place to begin navigating the complex sea that is higher education funding is on the ‘directgov‘ webpage, a site which combines all government services in one place. Information on student loans, grants and bursaries can be found here.

Crowther Fund – Open University

Postgraduate funding for Open University graduates

Grants for parent students in Northern Ireland

Parent Students in Northern Ireland may be eligible for childcare grants of up to £148 per week for one child and £255 per week for two children. This applies to full-time students with children in recognised childcare facilities. You may also be eligible for a Parents’ Learning Allowance – a means tested grant for full-time Parent [...]

Access to learning fund (ALF)

The Access to Learning Fund provides discretionary financial assistance to students enrolled in universities in ENGLAND only. Grants may be available to both undergraduate and postgraduate, full-time and part-time students who find themselves in financial strife. Parent Students may be eligible for help with childcare and other costs if they prove they cannot make ends [...]

Cambridge University

Cambridge University has devoted a section of its website to the Parent Student: www.cam.ac.uk/studentparentguide this includes funding information as well as help with accommodation and childcare. “Financial Assistance: Central Childcare Bursary Scheme and Access to Learning Fund Central Childcare Bursary Scheme This scheme makes means-tested grants to overseas and EU students to help with childcare costs. Applicants must [...]