Applying For A Student Grant
When do I have to apply by?
You can't usually apply for student grants much before March or April of the year that you intend to go into university or indeed of the year that you're going back to university. However, you can apply right up to the end of the year in which you're studying. However, if you do that, you'll not be able to get funding right at the beginning of the course.
Do I need to give details of where I study?
You will have to give details of where you intend to study the first time you apply. However, if that changes, if you don't get the place that you want or if you change your mind, you can always tell the awarding body where you are or are not going and they will be able to adjust the seat.
Do I need to apply for each individual year of study?
Yes, you will have to apply for each year of study, but normally the details you'll have to fill in for repeat years will be less because they'll have the initial details that you provided in the first year. However, if your circumstances change, you may have to fill out more details.
Are there any grants available to me as a mature student?
Mature students aren't treated differently in the English undergraduate system, so the grants that you receive as a young student are the same as for a mature student. In other systems, that's usually the same, although in Scotland it's a bit different. The best thing to do is check out the web sites of the funding bodies.
What grants are available for disabled students?
Disabled students can receive a grant called the disabled students allowance which will give them funding for costs over and above that which would be incurred by other students because a result of the disability. They can claim amounts for equipment, for specialist help like a scribe or a person that would help them get around campus, and further minor items of essential equipment. The way they get that would be by having a needs assessment by a qualified assessor who would examinethe course, look at their particular situation, and determine what was best for them, and make a recommendation to the funding body.
Are there any grants specifically for students with dependent children?
Students with dependent children do get special grants in most systems in the UK. In the English undergraduate system for example, they are able to apply for a childcare grant and also something called the Parents Landing Allowance which is an extra sum of money to help with additional costs that arise from being the parent of a dependent child.
Are there any grants to help overseas students?
Overseas students don't normally receive grants for the UK government. There are some complicated rules regarding residency and it is possible that an overseas or international student not from the UK can get a UK support grant, but that is a very difficult and complicated process, and you should look at the website of a charity called ukcosa that deals with international students and can advise of residency rules. Where an international student that does not meet the residency condition for UK government support there isn't anything in the way of government support, however some support may be available for international or overseas students through an organization such as the British Council or other charities again the best thing to do is speak to ukcosa
Can I get a grant to support me if I am studying overseas?
UK government support isn't available to students from the UK who want to study overseas unless it is part of a course which is based in the UK. For example, if you did a languages degree and you had to do a year in France, you might get support for that. However, if the course itself is based in another country, then support isn't normally available. Nonetheless, charities will do some grants and there may be some scholarships available from that country for which you can apply.
What happens if my circumstances change?
If your circumstances change the best thing to do is speak to the funding body that's providing your grant and they can advise you as to how, if at all, that changes the amount of money you receive. If you're a bit nervous about doing this and you're worried then the best thing to do is speak to an advisor in the student's union or in the college or university to which you go.
What happens if I can't finish my course?
If you can't finish your course, it will depend when you have to leave the course as to what would happen to your grant. Again, the situation can be complicated, and it will depend on your particular circumstances and the reasons that you're leaving, so the best thing to do is speak a student adviser in the students' union or in the college or university that you go to.
What happens if I change course?
What happens if I change course?If you transfer your course, either within the university that you go to, or college, or to another college university, the funding can usually follow you, so that you don't lose out on any of that. But again, it will depend on your personal circumstances (what's happening and why it's happening). So the best thing to do is speak to an advisor in the student's union or the university or college that you go to.
What happens if I change university college?
If you change university or college midway through a course, then it's usually possible for the funding to go with you. However, there can be complications around that and it will depend exactly on what you're doing and why're your doing it. So the best thing to do is to get advice from an advisor in the student's union or the university or college to which you go.
