Student Finance England - Childcare Grant (Means tested)

Childcare Grant from Student Finance England

Whilst you are studying full-time, you will receive a grant of up to 85% of what you actually pay to cover childcare costs. There is a weekly cap of £199.62 (approx. 231 EUR) for one child and £342.24 (approx. 397 EUR) for two or more children. This money is a government grant, which means you will never have to pay it back, and it is provided in addition to your student loans and other student finance benefits. It applies for the entire academic year. The amount depends on your household income and the number of children you are supporting. Receiving this grant will not affect your means-tested benefits, unemployment benefit or housing benefit. This is a nationwide programme administered by ‘Student Finance England’ and is open to all eligible full-time students, including those at the University of Greater Manchester (formerly the University of Bolton).

Who can apply

• Study level: You are studying full-time, which means you earn at least 120 credit points per year on a degree programme.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Your children: You have at least one child under the age of 15, or under the age of 17 if they have special educational needs, and this child is financially dependent on you.
• Where you live: You live in England permanently.
• Student finance link: You are already receiving, or are entitled to, means-tested student finance and are not taking out a loan to fund postgraduate studies.
• Income limit: Your household income is less than £20,107.23 (approximately 23,200 EUR) if you have one child, or less than £28,914.47 (approximately 33,400 EUR) if you have two or more children.
• No double-dipping: Neither you nor your partner are claiming tax-free childcare, the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit, or NHS support towards childcare costs.
• Registered carer: Your childcare centre is listed in one of the official childcare registers. From 1 August 2026, the costs of childcare provided by a childminder can no longer be covered by the grant.

How to apply

You can apply for this online as part of your main application for student finance on gov.uk. Provide the details regarding childcare and all the required supporting documents. You will then receive a decision, and as soon as your course begins, the grant will be paid directly to your educational institution. If you submit your application at a later date or wish to add another child, you can use a paper form instead.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a rules-based state grant, not a competitive scheme. There is neither a selection panel nor a fixed number of places. If you clearly meet all the eligibility criteria – in particular the income threshold and enrolment at an approved childcare centre – you will receive the grant. The biggest hurdle is the household income ceiling, which is set relatively low, meaning the grant is aimed at students on a tight budget.