Family Action Grant Program - Educational Grants

Family Action Educational Grants

You will receive a grant of one-off grant of up to about 345 EUR (up to 300 GBP, averaging around 250 GBP) to cover practical costs during your further education. The money will not be paid out in cash. You can use it to buy things you need for your studies, such as a basic laptop or tablet, a basic smartphone, textbooks, equipment not provided by your educational institution, and travel to and from the institution. The funding comes from Family Action, a UK charity that has been supporting families in need since 1869. It does not cover tuition fees, childcare, printers, online courses or any expenses you have already paid for.

Who can apply

• Level of study: You are undertaking a further education course at a publicly funded higher education institution. In England, Wales or Northern Ireland, this means level 3 or below, including preparatory courses and foundation courses. In Scotland, this means level 6 or below. Students in higher education and postgraduate programmes are not eligible to apply.
• Field of study: Anyone interested is very welcome.
• Where you study: Your university is located in the UK. Study abroad programmes and purely online degree programmes are not eligible for funding.
• Financial need: You, or the parents or guardians on whom you are dependent, receive at least one means-tested social security benefit (a benefit granted to those on a low income). Examples: Universal Credit, housing benefit, pension credit, working tax credit or child tax credit, means-tested JSA or ESA, or income support. Asylum seekers holding an Applicant’s Registration Card (ARC) are also eligible.
• Residency: You must have the right to live in the United Kingdom, or you must be an asylum seeker. International students are not eligible to apply.
• Timing: You can only receive a grant once every 12 months.

How to apply

You cannot submit the application yourself. A member of staff at your university – usually a student or a welfare adviser – will submit the application on your behalf and provide proof of your social security benefits or your ARC card. The application period runs each year from 1 September to 31 May. The programme is closed over the summer and reopens on 1 September 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is aimed at students from low-income families who are undertaking further education in the United Kingdom. If you clearly meet the criteria regarding income and your course of study, your chances are good. Each higher education institution can submit only a limited number of applications per year, and funding is subject to the availability of funds. It is to your advantage if your institution submits the application early in the application period.