UK Government - Parents’ Learning Allowance

Parents' Learning Allowance

You will receive between about 60 EUR and 2,338 EUR per academic year (ranging from £50 to £2,024), which is paid on top of your regular student finance. The exact amount depends on your family’s income. The money will be paid into your bank account in up to three instalments throughout the year. You will never have to repay it, and it will not result in any reduction in your social security benefits or tax credits. It comes from Student Finance England, the UK government agency that funds undergraduate degree programmes and helps you with the costs of studying if you have children to support. You must reapply each academic year.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You’re studying in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own programmes.
• Children: You have at least one child who is dependent on you. You do not need to pay for childcare to be eligible.
• Level and course: You are a full-time undergraduate student or are taking a course worth at least 120 credits in the year of your application.
• Income: Your family’s annual income is below the threshold of just under 19,000 pounds (£18,957.99).
• Postgraduate loan: You will not be granted a loan for postgraduate courses. If you are, you will not be entitled to this grant.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.

How to apply

You should submit this application at the same time as your main application for student finance. If you are eligible for both a loan to cover tuition fees and a loan to cover living costs, submit the application online via your student finance account. If you are only eligible for a loan to cover tuition fees, submit your application by post. Your account will usually be updated within around four weeks and the amount will be displayed.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a merit-based scholarship. It is an entitlement, so you cannot be refused on the basis of your academic performance. If you are studying in England, have a dependent child and your family income is below the threshold, you will receive this benefit. It is particularly important that you meet the income limit and submit your application at the same time as your application for student finance. Remember to renew the benefit every year.