Higher education: financial help
Full-time higher education students can get financial help from the government. Some can also get extra help from their higher education institution.
Jump Menu:
- Maintenance Grant
- Student Loan for Tuition Fees
- Student Loan for Maintenance
- Other help from the government
- Help from higher education institutions
- What if I want to study part-time?
- Where to find out more
Maintenance Grant
Government support includes an annual Maintenance Grant to help with accommodation and living costs. The amount you get depends on your personal circumstances and you don't have to repay it.
Student Loan for Tuition Fees
Government support includes an annual Student Loan for Tuition Fees. It's paid directly to your higher education institution and covers the full cost of your tuition fees. You have to repay the loan when you finish your course and are earning over £15,000 a year.
Student Loan for Maintenance
Government support includes an annual Student Loan for Maintenance to help with accommodation and living costs. It's paid into your bank account. The amount you get depends on your personal circumstances and the size of your Maintenance Grant (see above). You have to repay the loan when you finish your course and are earning over £15,000 a year.
Other help from the government
You may be able to get extra help if you're a parent or have a disability or learning difficulty.
Help from higher education institutions
If you're getting a full Maintenance Grant from the government, your higher education institution will offer you a minimum bursary payment. Some also offer scholarships. You don't have to repay bursaries and scholarships.
What if I want to study part-time?
Different arrangements apply to part-time students. Find out more at Directgov 
.
Where to find out more
Start by looking at the student finance pages on Directgov. Then browse the websites of the universities and colleges that offer higher education courses that interest you.
What next?
Will higher education suit you?
