What additional student finance could I be eligible for?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for additional financial support alongside your student finance. This could include support for disabled students, students with children, estranged students or those studying eligible healthcare courses.

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

If you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difference, you may be able to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to help with the additional costs of studying.

Support for estranged students

If you’re estranged from your parents, you can tell Student Finance England when you apply. You’ll usually need to provide evidence of your estrangement, such as a letter from your school, college or another professional who knows your circumstances.

If Student Finance England accept that you’re estranged, you may be eligible for the maximum Maintenance Loan. The University of Hull also offers a Humber Grant of up to £1,000 per year to students who are estranged.

Support for students with children

Students with children may be eligible for additional support, such as the Parents' Learning Allowance and Childcare Grant, subject to the eligibility criteria set by Student Finance England.

It’s means-tested, so if you’re living with a partner or spouse you may not get the maximum amounts (or any funding at all). The maximum amounts for 2026/27 are:

• Parents' Learning Allowance – up to £2,024 per year
• Childcare Grant – covers up to 85% of childcare costs (your childcare provider must be OFSTED registered), with a cap of £199.62 per week for one child or £342.24 per week for two or more children

Funding for healthcare students

If you’re eligible for full student finance and you’re studying Nursing, Midwifery, Operating Department Practice, Physiotherapy, Radiography or Paramedic Science, you can apply to the NHS Learning Support Fund for a £5,000 Training Grant each year.

If you have a child under 15, you’ll get an additional £2,000 per year. Funding you get from the NHS is non-repayable.

Need help?

If you're unsure what additional financial support you could receive, our advisers are here to help. Contact us by WhatsApp or submit an online enquiry, and we'll point you towards the most appropriate funding information.