Other financial help

Some help (such as grants and bursaries) doesn't have to be paid back after your course. Have you thought about the options on this page?

Maintenance Grant (for living costs)

On top of the student loan for maintenance, around half of all full-time students are also likely to be eligible for a yearly Maintenance Grant of up to £2,906 for 2009/10. This grant doesn't have to be repaid when your course finishes.

How much you get depends on your household income and the year of study. For example, for 2007/08 you can get

• the full grant if your household income is less than £18.820
• a partial grant if your household income is between £18,821 and £40,238.

If you receive means-tested benefits such as income support, you may receive the Special Support Grant in place of the Maintenance Grant.

Bursaries and scholarships

If your tuition fees are over £3406 in 2009/10 and you receive the full Maintenance Grant, your university or college will give you extra financial help.

For example, if you are charged tuition fees of £3,225 this academic year, you will get a minimum bursary of £319.

Many institutions are offering more than the minimum amount, and some are offering bursaries to all students. So it's well worth contacting universities and colleges to find out exactly what they're offering.

Extra financial help

You can apply for extra help if you have a disability or specific learning difficulty, or if you have children or adult dependants.

If you need extra financial support for your course or to stay in higher education, you may also be able to apply for help from the Access to Learning Fund.

Further information is available by clicking the links to the right of this page.