Website of the UK government

Grants

Discretionary Learner Support

If you’re aged 19 or over and are having trouble meeting the costs of your further education course you may get Discretionary Learner Support.

• Discretionary Learner Support

Fifty Plus In-work Training Grant

If you’re starting a new job at 50 plus after spending time out of work, you may be able to get a grant to help with work-related training costs.

Educational Grants Advisory Service

Some charities and trusts offer financial help, but their eligibility rules vary. The Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS) provides information and advice on sources of funding through their Directory, helpline and website.

• Check if you're eligible for an educational grant on the EGAS website Opens new window

General Federation of Trades Unions

The General Federation of Trades Unions Educational Trust has grants for full-time and Open University students of specific subjects within economic theory and history, industrial law, history and the principles of industrial relations.

• The General Federation of Trades Unions Educational Trust Opens new window

Useful publications

You can also check:

• Libraries and books (home and community section)

Bursaries

Bursaries are similar to grants - but they’re usually linked to a certain career, qualification or type of course.

Dance and Drama Awards

Dance and Drama Awards are scholarships funded by the Young People's Learning Agency to help with fees for approved courses and living costs.

• Dance and Drama Awards

Support if you're studying away from home

If you need to study away from home because the course you want to do isn’t available locally, you may be able to get help with the cost of your term-time accommodation.

• Help if you're studying away from home

City & Guilds

City & Guilds offer a small number of bursaries each year to people who would like to study for a City & Guilds qualification. The bursaries can be used for costs like course fees, learning materials, childcare or travel. Applications are considered in April and September each year.

• Apply for a City & Guilds bursary Opens new window

Grants and bursaries for higher education courses

If you’re doing a higher education course, the package of financial help available may include grants and bursaries as well as Student Loans.

You may qualify for an additional bursary if you’re doing a higher education qualification in social work, medicine or certain areas of healthcare - or a course of postgraduate Initial Teacher Training.

• Student finance: financial help in higher education

Useful contacts

• Adult learning contacts