Tuition-fee support
Helps with eligible course tuition fees and is normally paid directly to the university or college. This part is repayable.
Government student support
Support for study and living costs.
We explain the main types of government-backed support and the questions to check with the official funding authority.
Potential combined supportapproximately £20,000-£25,000
per academic year in some circumstances, combining tuition-fee and maintenance support.
Living-cost support
Helps with everyday living costs and is normally paid to the student. The amount depends on personal circumstances and this part is repayable.
Extra grants
Eligible students with children, childcare costs, an adult dependant or a disability may qualify for additional support.
For students with children
Extra support may be available.
Parents' Learning Allowance: for 2026/27, eligible full-time students with children may receive between £50 and £2,024 depending on household income. It normally does not need to be repaid.
Childcare Grant: may cover 85% of registered childcare costs, up to £199.62 a week for one child or £342.24 for two or more children in 2026/27. It normally does not need to be repaid.
Adult Dependants' Grant: eligible full-time students with an adult who depends on them financially may receive up to £3,545 in 2026/27.
Important
Figures are examples, not promises.
Eligibility and entitlement depend on residency, previous study, course, intensity, household income, location, living arrangements, benefits and start date. Government support rules are changing for some courses starting on or after 1 January 2027.
Tuition-fee and living-cost support is repayable under the plan that applies to the student. Extra grants are usually not repayable. Ideal Consultants cannot approve funding or guarantee an amount.
Personal circumstances matter