Access to Learning Fund

A non-repayable discretionary fund, introduced in 2004/05 across the higher education sector. Further information and guidance chapters are available on the Access to Learning Fund Page

Adult Dependent's Grant

To help students who have an adult dependant, wholly or mainly financially dependant on them whilst studying. An adult dependant is someone who is dependent on the student (rather than on the spouse or partner of the student, or on a third party) and could be the students spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner, provided the student is over 25.

Bursaries (BSS)

Non-repayable grants from participating universities and colleges.

BIS

Department for Business Innovation & Skills

Childcare Grant

For students with children. After applying with a PN1, they submit CCG1 with details of childcare and estimated costs. They then complete form CCG2 three times a year, providing actual childcare costs for the last completed term. The basic entitlement to childcare grant is 85% of incurred childcare costs.

Designated Courses

A course that attracts public funding is called a "designated" course. For further information you can go to Designated Courses.

Directgov

The main UK government website and home of Student Finance England.

Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)

Awards for undergraduate, part-time and postgraduate students. After applying, the student submits a DSA1 form. If they are found to be eligible for the DSAs, their needs are assessed by an access centre (usually affiliated to the Higher Education Institution. DSAs aren't income assessed.

Higher Education

Provided by a variety of universities and colleges to adults over the age of 16. Higher Education normally involves working towards a degree level qualification, as opposed to Further Education.

Higher Education Institution (HEI)

College or university.

Income assessed grants and loans

Grants and loans which depend on the student's household income. These include Maintenance Grant and Special Support Grant, 35% of the Maintenance Loan, and the Child Care Grant. This is also known as 'means tested' finance but we don't usually use this phrase with students and their parents and partners.

Income Contingent Repayment (ICR)

Takes place through the tax system. £15,000 of gross earnings per annum are disregarded. The student repays 9% of the balance over this. For more information visit

Maintenance Grant

Helps higher education students with general living costs whilst they study. Students have to apply for income assessed finance to get this grant.

Maintenance Loan

A loan for supporting a student with day to day costs of living and studying. 65% of the Maintenance Loan isn't income assessed. You need to apply for income assessed finance to apply for more of the Maintenance Loan.

Means-tested

Students may be entitled to more finance award if their parent(s), husband, wife or partner provides financial information. This is known as income assessed or 'means tested' finance.

Migrant Workers

EEA or Swiss migrant workers or self-employed persons in the UK may also be eligible for financial help with tuition fees. Family members of an EEA or Swiss migrant worker in the UK may also qualify. A migrant worker is someone who is not a national of the country they are working in.

Further guidance on how eligibility is determined can be found within the Guidance Chapters under the Policy Documents tab.

Non-means tested

Applying for student finance without supplying the financial details of a parent(s), husband, wife or civil partner.

Parents' Learning Allowance (PLA)

Helps students with additional costs arising from the care of a child whilst studying and it is subject to dependants' income and a household financial assessment.

Part-time Course Grant

Students apply using form PTG1. The application must be made within six months of the start of the course in that year. This is a means-tested product.

Part-time Fee Grant

A grant for tuition fees, up to a maximum amount based on the proportion of full-time study. Subject to means-tested income.

Special Support Grant (SSG)

The level of Special Support Grant depends on your household income. We calculate your entitlement in the same way as the Maintenance Grant. However, the SSG award will not affect the amount of Maintenance Loan you may be entitled to receive. Students in certain circumstances are entitled to this grant. If you receive this grant you will not receive a Maintenance Grant.

Sponsor

Either the parent, husband, wife or civil partner of a student. They are known as a 'sponsor' when they submit their financial details for income assessed forms of finance. We normally refer to them as 'parents or partners' to students.

Student Finance England

Service created by the Student Loans Company in conjunction with BIS, to advise students and their parents and partners and enable them to apply for student finance online.

Student Loans Company

The main provider for student finance in the UK.

Student Support Information Notes (SSINs)

Detail the arrangements for the administration of Student Finance in England. They are produced by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).