Step Three: Financing Your Studies at University

When applying to university, there are several different ways to benefit from additional finance for your degree and living costs, depending on various factors. You may be eligible for additional funding support whilst studying through other charity or government grants and or bursaries.

Before reading about the additional funding that’s available, check out this helpful guide on financing your studies; from our guide for getting financially prepared for university.

Alternative options

Your student loan may not always be enough to ensure you can complete your studies and cover the costs. If this is the case, you may be able to secure additional funding through multiple avenues:

• Grant awarding charities – some charities and organisations provide funding towards any additional support or equipment to help your studies. Click here for the list of charities and organisations who may support you. Or check out our ‘Additional funding options for students’ guide for more information.
• Bursaries. These can be excellent sources of extra funding. Bursaries are usually awarded by universities based on financial need, academic achievement or personal circumstances, and you can find out more on Student Reach’s website.
• Hardship funds – for students who are in financial difficulty, you may be eligible for hardship funds. The application is organised through your university or college. Click here for more information on hardship funds.
• Student Grants – If you are a full-time student, you may be eligible for a non-repayable Maintenance or Special Support Grant. Click here for more information on Student Grants.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – You may be able to claim PIP in addition to Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and other forms of student finance. Click here for more information about Personal Independence Payment.
• Government benefits – Most full-time students cannot claim welfare benefits. However, if you are registered blind or you get a Disability Living Allowance you may be able to apply for other benefits including Housing Benefit. The amount you will be eligible will be subject to other funding you receive. Click here for more information on Housing Benefits.Turn2Us has in-depth sections on their website about benefits for full-time and part-time students, for more information.
• Cost of living. Most universities will have a student advice or welfare service that can advise on a range of issues including finances, housing, and benefits. If you are concerned about your financial situation, you should contact your university to learn what additional funding might be available. Liverpool Hope University and the University of York have helpful pages on their websites, about what this cost of living support might look like.

For individual benefits advice contact Disability Rights UK to speak with a welfare rights specialist in the Student Money Advice Team at your university or college or try your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

You can also visit RNIB’s ‘Advice on  managing your money for young people’ pages for further advice on benefits, budgeting, debt advice as well as contact information for the RNIB Welfare Advice team across the UK.

Useful information and contacts

Education Information Advice and Guidance Service

For further support, you can contact our Education Information Advice and Guidance Service.

Disability Rights UK

Disability Rights UK have produced factsheets on funding whilst at university.

Save the Student

Save the Student provides free, impartial advice to students on how to make their money go further. They have helpful guides on their website about applying for DSA, scholarships and bursaries, maintenance loans, and more.

Government guidance

You can find further details about DSA and download an application form at GOV.UK Disabled Students’ Allowances. For large print, Braille or audio versions contact Student Finance England by calling 0141 243 3686 or email brailleandlargefonts@slc.co.uk.

Student Finance

For general student finance information visit the GOV.UK Student finance website.