University of Bradford - Support for Students with Dependants

What you get

If you are studying at the University of Bradford and are financially supporting a child or another adult, you can apply for various grants from Student Finance England in addition to your regular student loan. You do not have to repay these grants, and they will not reduce any means-tested benefits you are receiving. The main grants available for 2026/27 are:

• Parents Learning Allowance: to £2,024 per year (approximately 2,300 EUR) if you have children who are financially dependent on you.
• Adult Dependants' Grant: to £3,545 per year (approximately 4,085 EUR) if you are financially responsible for another adult whose annual income is below £3,796.
• Childcare Grant: covers up to 85% of your childcare costs, up to £199.62 per week for one child (around 230 EUR) or £343.24 per week for two or more children (approximately 390 EUR).
• Bradford hardship support: to £2,000 per year (approximately 2,300 EUR) from the university itself.

The grants are paid out in three instalments over the course of the academic year. You can also take out a higher maintenance loan (up to £10,830 per year or up to £12,345 for single parents, provided your household income is below £25,000); however, you will have to repay this amount.

Who can apply

• Study level: You are a Bachelor’s student.
• Where you study: You’re studying at the University of Bradford in England.
• Residence: You live in England.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for funding from Student Finance England.
• Your situation: You have children who are dependent on you, or you are supporting another adult who earns less than £3,796 per year (e.g. a spouse, partner, parent or grandparent). If you are younger than 25, a partner only counts if you are married or in a civil partnership.
• Income check: The amount is calculated on a case-by-case basis. It depends on your household income, the income of the person you are supporting, and your personal circumstances.

How to apply

There is no separate Bradford application form for state grants. You apply for these as part of your regular application to Student Finance England and complete the sections relating to your children or adult dependants. Once you confirm that you have dependent children, your eligibility for the ‘Parents’ Learning Allowance’ will be assessed automatically.

How realistic are your chances?

These are not competitive awards presented to a select few winners. Rather, they are entitlements. If you are an eligible undergraduate student at Bradford who is caring for a child or an adult in need of care and meet the criteria set by Student Finance England, you will receive the grants appropriate to your circumstances. The amount depends on your means test. You should therefore apply for the grants via the standard procedure and provide accurate figures.