Bursaries, grants & hardship funds

Lesson 4 of 15 in our free Student Finance guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

Shown for England. Some rules here are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: the lesson shows your nation's version.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Student Finance is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

Mo is a student parent. Which grant helps with course costs for students with children in England?

Maintenance Loan → Usually repaid. It's a loan — repaid once you earn over the threshold.
University bursary → Usually NOT repaid. Free money from your uni, often based on household income.
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) → Usually NOT repaid. A grant for extra study costs linked to a disability or condition.
Childcare Grant → Usually NOT repaid. Covers 85% of childcare costs, up to £199.62 a week for one child (2026/27).
Tuition Fee Loan → Usually repaid. Repaid through your plan, like the Maintenance Loan.
Hardship fund award → Usually NOT repaid. Usually a non-repayable grant (sometimes a short loan) — check your uni's terms.
Myth: “You only get a bursary if you ask your uni personally every week.” — Many are automatic if you share your income details with Student Finance. Check your uni's website.
Fact: “DSA can help with things like specialist equipment or support.” — It's for extra costs linked to a disability, long-term health or mental health condition, or learning difference.
Myth: “Hardship funds are only for people who've run out of money completely.” — Ask early. Unis would rather help before it becomes a crisis.