If you study full time in England and have dependent children, you may get a Childcare Grant of up to 85% of your childcare costs (up to £199.62 a week for one child, £342.24 for two or more) and a Parents' Learning Allowance of up to £2,024 a year. Neither has to be repaid, and both depend on household income.
Childcare Grant
- For students on a full-time higher education course (120 credits or more a year) who are eligible for student finance.
- Your children must be under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs.
- It helps pay your childcare costs, up to 85% of the costs, and is paid on top of your other student finance.
- Maximum: up to £199.62 a week for one child, £342.24 a week for two or more.
- It does not have to be paid back. You may have to repay money only if you were overpaid after a change in your circumstances or your course.
Parents' Learning Allowance
- For students with children on a full-time course, or on a qualifying course funded through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement.
- It is worth up to £2,024 a year, depending on household income.
- It does not have to be repaid, and it does not affect benefits or tax credits.
- You cannot get it if you receive a Postgraduate Loan.
How it fits with working
A blended degree with 1 to 2 campus days a week leaves most of the week free for work and for the children. Parents often choose the days when the children are at school, or evening and weekend timetables when another adult is at home.
Example
A parent in London with settled status studies Psychology two days a week. She receives a Tuition Fee Loan paid to the university, may qualify for a Maintenance Loan, and applies for a Childcare Grant for the days at campus plus the Parents' Learning Allowance. What she receives depends on household income. This is an illustration, not a promise.
How to apply
You apply for the grants as part of your Student Finance England application. Applications take about 4 weeks to process, so apply early. We guide you step by step.
Quick answers
Do I have to pay back the Childcare Grant?
No. It is a grant, not a loan.
Does my partner's income matter?
Both grants are assessed on household income, so yes, it is taken into account.
Can I get both grants?
Yes, if you are eligible for each. They are paid on top of your other student finance.
Sources: gov.uk: Childcare Grant; gov.uk: Parents' Learning Allowance; gov.uk: who qualifies for Student Finance.
Disclosure: AdmitGo is free for students and is paid by partner universities when a student enrols. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Student Finance England decides every application.