Grants

Information for new UK undergraduate students starting a course in September 2011.

There are two types of grant

• Maintenance grant (you don't have to repay)
• Special support grant (you don't have to repay)

If you live Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland the support package is slightly different.

Maintenance grant

If your family income is £50,020 or less you could be eligible for a non-repayable maintenance grant of up to £2,906 a year.

How much you get will depend on your family's annual income.

If that annual income is £25,000 or less you are likely to be eligible for a full grant worth £2,906.

Nationally, around two thirds of all new full-time students are likely to be eligible for a full or partial grant to help with living expenses. If you receive a maintenance grant you'll receive a lower student loan for maintenance.

Special support grant

The special support grant is also worth up to £2,906.

This is for specific groups of students (for example, those with qualifying disabilities, lone parents and full-time student couples with children) who are in principle eligible for means tested benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Unlike the maintenance grant, the special support grant will be disregarded in the assessment of your entitlement to means tested state benefits.

What does this help with living costs mean in practice?

Here's what your annual grant and loan entitlement could be if you lived away from home whilst at the University, based on household income levels.

How do I apply?

Most applications are completed online. However, paper applications will be accepted. All information about the application process can be found here. 

Although it's best to apply in advance, you can still apply up to nine months after the start of the academic year for both grants.