The government has introduced a UK maintenance grant for new, full-time students. Around half of all new students are likely to be eligible for a full or partial grant.
The maximum amount available to English students is £2,906, but the actual amount you get will depend on your income/household income. Note that these figures only apply to students from England - students from Wales, Scotland and Northen Ireland have their own funding rules.
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A household income of £25,000 or less per year entitles you to a grant of £2,906 per year.
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A household income of £25,001 to £50,020 per year entitles you to a grant of between £50 and £2,906 per year.
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If your household income is over £50,020 per year, you are not entitled to a maintenance grant.
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If you are awarded the full maintenance grant and are on a course which charges the full £3,375 (2011/12) tuition fee, you will also be eligible for a University bursary.
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A maintenance grant does not need to be paid back!
Allowances and grants
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If you have dependants, are a single parent and/or have a disability, you may also be entitled to a grant to help meet certain living costs.
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If you are a parent, you can apply for a Parents’ Learning Allowance and Childcare Grant, together with the Child Tax Credit.
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If you have a disability, you will be eligible for an allowance to pay for non-medical help, specialist equipment, general costs relating to your disability and extra travel costs. The Disabled Students’ Allowance is the only award that is not means tested.
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If you find yourself in financial hardship during your time at university, you may be able to obtain extra financial support for your course from the Access to Learning Fund.
Hardship funds
Hardship funds have been established by the Government to enable universities to give limited help to those who experience real financial difficulties once at university. Part-time UK students may also be eligible for a fee waiver from Student Finance England.
For detailed information on student finance, visit the government's Student Finance England website.
