Financial Help for Part-Time Students

Students studying a part-time higher education course can apply for a non-repayable fee grant and course grant to help pay for tuition fees and other costs related to their course. To be eligible for a fee and course grant, the course must last at least one year and not take more than twice as long to complete as an equivalent full-time course. The amount available will depend on the student's personal circumstances and the type of course they are enrolled on.

Fee Grant

This grant is designed to help part-time students with their tuition fees. The maximum of grant available depends on the 'intensity' of the course (how long it takes to complete in comparison with an equivalent full-time course), household income and whether the student has a partner or children.

In 2006/7, the maximum fee grant for a single student with no dependents and an annual household income of less than £15,345 is £1,125. The household income threshold rises by £2,000 for the eldest dependent child, £1,000 for each further dependent child and £2,000 if the student is married, in a civil partnership or lives with a partner.

Course Grant

This grant is designed to help part-time students with study costs such as books, materials and travel. The maximum amount depends on household income and whether the student has a partner or children (the intensity of the course is not taken into account).

In 2006/7, the maximum fee grant for a single student with no dependents and an annual household income of less than £ 23,745 is £250. The household income threshold rises by £2,000 for the eldest dependent child, £1,000 for each further dependent child and £2,000 if the student is married, in a civil partnership or lives with a partner.

Applying for Grants

Students can apply for a grant at the start of each academic year by completing an application form for part-time student finance (PT1G) and taking it to their university or college when they start their course.