Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for a grant from SFE.  These are non-repayable and are paid on top of your maintenance loan. 

To apply for any of the grants you will need to fill out the relevant section of your SFE application. 

Please note the below information is correct for 2024

 Adult Dependants’ Grant 

This supports students who are financially responsible for another adult (usually a husband, wife, partner or civil partner).

For the 2024/2025 academic year, the maximum grant amount is £3,438. The grant is paid out in 3 instalments, usually at the same time as the maintenance loan.

More information and eligibility criteria can be found here.

Parents’ Learning Allowance 

This supports full-time students who are also parents.

For 2024/2025 the maximum grant amount is £1,963. The grant is paid out in 3 instalments, usually at the same time as the maintenance loan.

More information and eligibility criteria can be found here .

Childcare Grant 

This supports the cost of childcare during study for parents of children aged under 15, or under 17 if the child has special educational needs. The grant is assessed on your income and the number of children you have.

You can get 85% of your childcare costs or a fixed maximum amount, whichever is less. For 2024/2025 the maximum grant amount is: 

  • up to £193.62 a week for one child
  • up to £331.95 a week for two or more children.

You will need to cover the remaining childcare costs. More information and eligibility criteria can be found here.

NHS Learning Support Fund 

This is for students on eligible NHS courses and may provide the following additional financial support:

  • A training grant of £5,000 per academic year  (If you receive this you will not be eligible for SHU’s Student Success Scholarship)
  • Parental support of £2,000, if you have at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs (paid in three instalments)
  • money back for excess travel and temporary accommodation costs (Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses) while you’re on your practice placement
  • Exceptional Support Fund – for students who are in financial hardship during their studies and have exhausted all other means of funding. Grants of up to £3,000 can be received per academic year. 

You must apply for this separately from your SFE application. If you’re a new healthcare student starting from September or October 2024, you can apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund from 1 March 2024.

More information and eligibility criteria can be found here.