HIGHER EDUCATION (University)
If you are going into Higher Education, for example university, you can get financial support from the government through grants and loans. For information about these and to calculate how much you might get visit www.direct.gov.uk
There are some grants that are particularly for parents these are:
Childcare Grant
Who's eligible?
Full time university students with dependent children in registered care. You will not be eligible for this grant if you receive the childcare element of Working Tax Credit.
Where to apply
You should apply for the Childcare Grant when you apply to your Local Authority (LA) for a student loan. Tell your LA that you want to apply for help with childcare costs.
Parents’ Learning Allowance
Who's eligible?
Full time university students with dependent children may receive this allowance to help with course related costs like books, materials and travel.
Where to apply
You apply for the Parents' Learning allowance when you apply to your Local Authority (LA) for a student loan.
Access to Learning Fund
The Access to Learning Fund can provide support for students on lower incomes who run into financial difficulty. Universities and Colleges decide how to distribute payments, however, students with children - and especially lone parents - are a priority for the fund.
Money from the Access to Learning Fund is paid on top of the normal student loans and grants but you will be expected to apply for any loans, grants and bursaries you are entitled to before applying to the Access to Learning Fund.
NHS and Social Work Bursaries and Childcare Allowance
Who's eligible?
Parents studying an NHS-funded professional training course can claim these means tested allowances.
Where to apply
Visit NHS Student Grants or phone NHS student support on 0845 358 6655
FURTHER EDUCATION (College)
Adult Learning Grant
Who's eligible?
The Adult Learning Grant may be available for any student aged 19 years of over who is studying for their first Level 2 or Level 3 qualification. This grant is means tested and can pay up to £30 per week during term time.
Where to apply?
Application forms are available from:
Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work
Who's eligible?
The aim is to encourage a non-working parent within a family to participate in learning or training that will lead to sustainable employment. This scheme can pay childcare (and transport) costs of up to £175 per child per week for adults aged 20 years and over where:
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the learner is married or living with a partner
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the learner has a dependent child or children
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their partner is working at least 16 hours per week
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the household income was £20,000 or less in the previous tax year
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any course must be unpaid and leading to a qualification at Level 3 or below
Where to apply?
Application packs are available from:
Career Development Loan
Who's eligible?
Students aged 18 and over who are on a vocational course up to two years in length providing that the course will improve their career prospects. This may be up to three years if the course includes work experience. It can be used to fund childcare costs but may affect other benefits.
Where to apply
Visit Career Development Loans or phone The CDL Information Line on 0800 585 505
Care to Learn
Who's eligible?
Parents who are under the age of 20 when they return to school, attend college or a publicly funded training scheme can receive support with childcare and associated transport costs up to £160 per week provided that they use registered childcare.
Where to apply
Visit Care to Learn or phone 0845 6002809 or contact your Connexions Personal Advisor.
Sixth Form College Childcare Scheme
Who's eligible?
Parents aged 20 or over studying at a school sixth form or sixth from college can receive up to £160 per week for registered childcare, depending on their household income.
Where to apply
Discretionary Support Funds
Who's eligible?
Students aged 16 or over studying at college or school sixth form who are facing financial hardship. The course must be funded by the Young People's Learning Agency.
Discretionary funds can be used for:
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financial hardship and emergencies;
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registered childcare costs;
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accommodation, if you need to study away from home;
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essential course related equipment and materials and travel costs (for over 18s).
Where to apply
Speak to your student support officer or tutor.
