Targeted Maintenance Grants (neu, ab 2028/29)

Targeted Maintenance Grants (from 2028/29)

You get an extra grant of up to about EUR 1,150 (£1,000) per year in your first and second year of study, and up to about EUR 860 (£750) per year from your third year onwards. This money is paid on top of your maintenance loan. It does not add to your debt and you never pay it back. The lower your household income, the more you get. In years one and two the amount tapers down to a minimum of about EUR 575 (£500), and from year three to about EUR 430 (£375). The grants are run by England's Department for Education. They are funded by a new levy (a charge) on international student fees.

Who can apply

• Home status: You have "home" student status in England. If you are based in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Crown Dependencies, you follow your own funding rules instead.
• Where you study: You study at a recognised higher education provider in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.
• Level: You study an undergraduate course at Level 4, 5 or 6. This covers technical qualifications and full degrees at a university or college.
• Field of study: Your course is on the list of "priority" subjects linked to the government's industrial strategy. The exact list is not published yet.
• Study load: You study full time, or take at least 120 credits in the year.
• Financial need: Your household income after allowances is EUR 34,500 (£30,000) per year or less. You get the full amount at EUR 28,750 (£25,000) or below, and a reduced amount up to EUR 34,500. Above that, you get nothing.
• Loan link: You qualify for an income-based maintenance loan from Student Finance England in that year.
• Year of study: Both new students and those already in later years can get the grant from 2028/29. You do not need to delay starting your course.

How to apply

You apply through Student Finance England, the same body that handles your maintenance loan. The grants start in the 2028/29 academic year. Exact application dates for that year are not published yet.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive award you win against other applicants. If you meet the income, course and home-status conditions, you receive it. The two main gates are the income limit of EUR 34,500 (£30,000) and the requirement that your course sits on the priority-subject list. Since that list is not published yet, check it once it appears to confirm your course qualifies.