Are You Eligible for Extra Student Finance in UK? Login Now to Find Out

Extra Student Finance in UK: If you’re a student in the UK, understanding your student finance eligibility can make all the difference to your university experience. While most students are aware of tuition fee loans and maintenance loans, many don’t realise they might qualify for extra financial support worth thousands of pounds—support that doesn’t need to be repaid.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of additional student finance in the UK, who qualifies, how to apply, where to check your eligibility, and real-life examples of how students benefit from this support. Whether you’re a full-time undergraduate, a student parent, living with a disability, or facing unexpected hardship, this article will help you maximise the support available to you.

Extra Student Finance in UK

If you’re only receiving standard loans, you could be missing out on thousands of pounds in extra financial support that you don’t have to repay. Whether you’re parenting, living with a disability, or just struggling to make ends meet, there’s likely help available tailored to your needs.

Take action now:

• Log in to your Student Finance account
• Speak with your university’s student support team
• Apply early for all you’re entitled to

With the right tools and knowledge, managing your money at university becomes far less stressful—and more empowering.

Understanding Standard Student Finance

Before diving into extras, it’s helpful to understand the core student finance everyone receives:

1. Tuition Fee Loan

• Covers the full cost of university tuition, up to £9,250 per year in England.
• Paid directly to your university or college, so you never handle it directly.

2. Maintenance Loan

• Helps with living costs like rent, food, and travel.
• Amount depends on household income, living arrangements, location, and whether you study full- or part-time.
• Paid into your personal bank account in three termly instalments.

But what if your circumstances mean those basic supports aren’t enough? That’s where extra student finance steps in.

What Is Extra Student Finance?

Extra student finance refers to additional grants, bursaries, allowances, and university-led support aimed at helping students in special circumstances. This includes those with caring responsibilities, health challenges, or lower-income backgrounds.

Unlike student loans, most extra funding is non-repayable. Eligibility depends on individual needs, and applying can open the door to thousands of pounds in support.

You might be eligible for additional support if:

• You’re a parent or primary carer
• You have a disability or specific learning difficulty
• You’re from a low-income household
• You’re a mature student balancing work or family
• You’re estranged from your family or a care leaver
• You’re experiencing unexpected financial hardship

Let’s explore the most common types.

1. Student Finance for Parents and Carers

Students who are caring for children or adult dependants can access special grants to help manage their responsibilities alongside studies.

Childcare Grant

• Pays up to 85% of registered childcare costs while you study.
• Maximum annual amount:
  • £188.90/week for one child
  • £323.85/week for two or more children
• Payments are made directly to your childcare provider through the Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS).

Parents’ Learning Allowance

• Designed to help with course-related costs for student parents.
• Maximum support is £1,915 per academic year.
• Paid in three instalments directly into your bank account.

Adult Dependants’ Grant

• For students who support an adult financially (e.g., a partner).
• Up to £3,354 per year, depending on your income.

These grants are not counted as income when calculating benefits like Universal Credit.

2. Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs)

If you have a disability, mental health condition, long-term illness, or specific learning difficulty (like dyslexia or ADHD), you can apply for DSAs.

What It Covers:

• Specialist equipment (e.g., laptops, ergonomic furniture)
• Non-medical helpers (e.g., note-takers, mentors)
• Travel expenses for those who cannot use public transport
• General support for study-related needs

Funding Limits:

• Full-time undergraduates in England can receive up to £26,291 annually (2024–25).
• Funding is based on need—not income—and does not need to be repaid.

Learn more at gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas

3. Bursaries, Scholarships, and University Support

Most universities offer their own bursaries and scholarships tailored to different student groups:

Types of Institutional Support:

• Bursaries: Often based on household income, residency, or underrepresented groups
• Scholarships: For academic excellence, sport, music, or STEM talent
• Laptop Loans and Meal Vouchers: Offered by many widening access teams
• Accommodation Discounts: For low-income or priority students
• Hardship Funds: Emergency grants for those in crisis (e.g., bereavement, loss of employment)

Universities often promote these on their finance pages and during orientation. Ask your student services team for a full list.

4. Support for Care Leavers and Estranged Students

Students who have left the care system or have no family support can face unique financial challenges.

Available Support Includes:

• Guaranteed year-round accommodation or rent subsidies
• Access to bursaries up to £2,000 per year
• Dedicated student advisors or mentors
• Standalone Pledge: Over 100 UK universities have signed up to support estranged students with tailored services

Visit standalone.org.uk or speak to your university’s widening participation team to find support pathways.

5. Emergency Support & Hardship Funds

Unexpected financial crises can arise due to family illness, rising rent, or job loss. Thankfully, most institutions provide hardship funds.

How It Works:

• Funds are discretionary and usually non-repayable.
• Students submit a short form detailing their situation.
• You may need to provide:
  • Bank statements
  • A letter explaining your hardship
  • Rent agreements or childcare costs

Common Scenarios Covered:

• Delays in Student Finance payments
• Family emergencies
• Eviction or temporary homelessness
• Broken laptops or lost study materials

Some universities also offer food bank referrals, counselling, or interest-free loans for emergency support.

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Extra Student Finance in UK Check If You’re Eligible

• Login to the Student Finance Portal: Visit gov.uk/student-finance and access your account.
• Use the Student Finance Calculator: Estimate your potential loan and grant eligibility here: Student Finance Calculator
• Contact Your University: Speak to the student welfare or money advice team for guidance on,
  • Applying for hardship grants
  • Finding bursaries
  • Gathering documentation
• Research External Organisations: Check charities and foundations like,
  • Turn2us
  • The Scholarship Hub
  • Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)

Tips for Applying Successfully

• Apply early: Many bursaries and grants have limited funding.
• Keep copies: Store digital versions of applications, receipts, and correspondence.
• Update your application: If your circumstances change, revise your information.
• Ask questions: University advisors can guide you through the process.
• Don’t assume you’re ineligible: Even part-time or distance learners may qualify for some forms of support.

FAQs On Extra Student Finance in UK

Q1: Are these extra supports loans?

No. Most forms of additional support—grants, bursaries, and DSAs—do not need to be paid back.

Q2: Do postgraduates qualify?

Yes, some funds like DSA and certain bursaries are open to postgraduate and part-time students.

Q3: Can I apply for more than one grant?

Absolutely. You can receive multiple forms of support at once if eligible.

Q4: Will applying affect my student loan?

No. These grants are separate and won’t reduce your loan amount.

Q5: Can international students access these benefits?

Some hardship funds or university-specific scholarships are open to international students—check with your institution.