Money and 18+ Learning

Questions and answers about extra help with study at 18+

I am disabled - is there any extra help for disabled students?

There are Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) to help with the extra costs you incur in attending your course, as a direct result of your disability – such as paying for specialist equipment or a helper/mentor. How much you can get does NOT depend on your income or that of your household. This is extra financial help over and above any grants, loans and bursaries and unlike a student loan, does not have to be repaid.

See Gov.uk for more information

I have a child - can I get help with the costs of study?

There is a Parents' Learning Allowance and a Childcare Grant to help you

I'm hoping to do a degree in Social Work or Health Care - is there any extra funding available?

If you are in training for social work, medicine or certain areas of healthcare, you may be able to get a bursary through the NHS. See the information on Gov.uk.

What if I want to study part-time?

Whilst part-time students will still have to pay tuition fees, new part-time students can apply for a tuition fee loan to cover their tuition costs.

To be eligible for a tuition fee loan, this must generally be the first time you’re studying on a higher education course. To qualify you must complete a minimum of 25 per cent of the equivalent full-time course load per year.