Types of Financial Support for Students in the UK: Loans, Grants & Scholarships

Financing your education can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that UK students have access to various financial support options to help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs.

This guide outlines all available financial support options, including government-funded loans, non-repayable grants, scholarships, and private funding sources.

For detailed Guidance and Application Process, We are always Here to Help You. 

1. Tuition Fee Loans

A Tuition Fee Loan covers the cost of your course tuition at university or college. It is paid directly to your institution, meaning you won’t have to pay upfront.

Key Facts About Tuition Fee Loans

• Available for full-time and part-time undergraduate students.
• Covers up to £9,250 per year in England (different caps apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
• Not means-tested – the amount you receive does not depend on household income.
• You only start repaying after you finish your course and earn above the repayment threshold.

For students aged 19+ in Further Education, an Advanced Learner Loan is available to cover tuition for Level 3–6 courses. Like student loans, it is repaid once you start earning above a certain threshold.

Repayment of Tuition Fee Loans

• Repayment is income-contingent – you only pay if you earn above the repayment threshold.
• The amount repaid is a percentage of your salary, not a fixed sum.
• If you never earn enough, you won’t repay anything, and any remaining balance is written off after the loan term.

You can See Here, If You are Eligible or Not!

2. Maintenance Loans (Living Cost Loans)

A Maintenance Loan helps students with day-to-day living expenses, including rent, food, travel, and study materials. Unlike Tuition Fee Loans, this is means-tested, meaning the amount you receive depends on:

• Household income
• Where you live (at home, away from home, or in London)
• Course intensity (full-time or part-time)

How Much Can You Get?

• Living away from home (outside London): Up to £9,978 per year (2024 figures).
• Living at home: Up to £8,400 per year.
• Living in London: Higher amounts are available due to increased living costs.

Key Features of Maintenance Loans

• Paid directly to your bank account in three installments per academic year.
• Accrues interest from the time of first payment.
• Repayment works the same as Tuition Fee Loans – income-based, and repayments only start once you earn above the repayment threshold.

📌 Important: The Maintenance Loan may not fully cover all living expenses, so many students work part-time, budget carefully, or seek additional funding.

Want to APPLY? Click Here!

3. Grants and Bursaries (Non-Repayable Support)

Unlike loans, grants and bursaries do not need to be repaid. These financial aids are provided by the government, universities, and charities to help students from low-income backgrounds or those with specific needs.

Government Grants for Students

The UK government provides grants for students with additional financial needs, including:

• Childcare Grant (CCG) – Covers up to 85% of childcare costs for students with children under 15 years old (or 17 if the child has disabilities).
• Parents’ Learning Allowance (PLA) – Financial help for student parents, providing up to £2,000 per year (depending on household income).
• Adult Dependants’ Grant (ADG) – Up to £3,545 per year (2024) for students with a financially dependent partner or adult relative.

University Bursaries & Grants

Many universities offer bursaries and hardship funds for students from low-income households or those who meet certain criteria.

• Bursaries are often automatically assessed when you apply for student finance.
• Some require a separate application, so always check with your university’s financial aid office.
• Example: A university may offer a bursary of £1,000 per year to students from households with an income below £25,000.

Why Apply for Grants & Bursaries?

• It’s free money – you do not have to repay it.
• Can help cover living costs, course materials, or child care expenses.

📌 You can Contact Us Directly What Grant Are You Qualify For!

4. Scholarships (Merit-Based, Need-Based, and Special Scholarships)

Scholarships are another form of non-repayable financial aid, often awarded for academic excellence, sporting achievements, or specific personal backgrounds.

Types of Scholarships Available

• Merit-Based Scholarships – Awarded based on academic performance (A-level grades, university entrance scores, etc.).
• Need-Based Scholarships – Provided to students from low-income backgrounds.
• Sports & Talent Scholarships – Given to students with outstanding achievements in sports, music, or the arts.
• Sanctuary Scholarships – Offered to asylum seekers and refugees. Over 80 UK universities provide financial support, including tuition fee waivers and maintenance grants.

How to Apply for Scholarships

• GobblexEdu.co.uk will help you check your university’s website for internal scholarships and guide you through the application process.
• We’ll assist you in using scholarship search tools to find additional funding opportunities that you may be eligible for.
• We’ll ensure you meet all application deadlines, so you never miss out on scholarship opportunities.

5. Disability Support (Disabled Students’ Allowance – DSA)

Students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or learning difficulties can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to help cover additional study-related costs.

What Does DSA Cover?

• Specialist equipment (e.g., computers with assistive software).
• Non-medical helpers (e.g., a sign language interpreter, note-taker, or mentor).
• Travel costs (if unable to use public transport).
• General study costs (e.g., printing, extra books).

Key Facts About DSA

• Does not need to be repaid.
• Awarded based on individual needs, not household income.
• You must provide medical evidence or an assessment report to apply.

📌 DSA is separate from student loans and is applied for through Student Finance England.

6. Private Funding Options

For students who do not qualify for government loans or need additional financial support, there are alternative private funding sources available.

Private Loans for Education

• Bank Loans or Personal Loans – Some students take out bank loans to cover living expenses, though interest rates are usually higher than government student loans.
• Specialist Lenders – Some financial institutions offer postgraduate or professional study loans with flexible repayment options.

📌 Be cautious when considering private loans – they often require repayment regardless of your income.

Employer Sponsorships & Apprenticeships

• Some employers sponsor students in exchange for a work commitment after graduation.
• Degree apprenticeships allow students to earn a salary while studying, with the employer covering tuition fees.

Final Thoughts: Maximizing Your Financial Support

With multiple funding options available, it’s essential to explore all possibilities before deciding on loans. Here are the key takeaways:

• Apply for all non-repayable funding first – grants, bursaries, and scholarships.
• Use government loans to cover tuition and maintenance costs.
• Consider part-time work or employer sponsorships for additional support.
• Avoid private loans unless absolutely necessary.

📌 Check deadlines and apply early to ensure you receive the financial aid you are entitled to.

Higher education is an investment in your future, and the right financial support can make all the difference in ensuring a successful and stress-free university experience.