UK Government - The Special Support Grant

What the Special Support Grant gives you

You will receive a grant of up to about 4,130 EUR per year (up to £3,569 for 2026/27) to cover your living costs, such as rent, food and travel expenses, whilst you are studying. As this is a grant, you do not have to repay it. Exceptions: if you withdraw from your course or your income turns out to be higher than expected. The grant is awarded by ‘Student Finance NI’, the government body that provides financial support to students in Northern Ireland. The exact amount depends on your household income. If you receive this grant, you cannot claim the Maintenance Grant at the same time, but you can take out a student loan in addition.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You normally live in Northern Ireland and have lived in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for the three years prior to the start of your degree programme.
• Nationality: British and Irish nationals, EU citizens with ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status, and those with refugee status or humanitarian protection status are eligible to take part.
• Course: You are studying full-time at undergraduate level, for example on a Bachelor’s degree programme, a ‘Foundation Degree’, an HNC, an HND or a teacher training course (PGCE or ITE).
• Where you study: At a publicly or privately funded university or higher education institution in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, provided that at least half of the degree programme takes place in the United Kingdom or Ireland.
• Field of study: All subjects.
• Age: There is no minimum or maximum age.
• Income: Your household income is less than £41,065,, or you receive one of the eligible benefits listed below.
• Your situation: At least one of the following conditions must apply to you: you are a single parent and have a child under the age of 20 who is undertaking full-time education or training outside the higher education sector; you or your partner receive certain disability benefits (such as disability allowance, personal independence allowance or income-related employment and support allowance); You are deaf and receive the allowance for students with disabilities; you have been unable to work for at least 28 weeks; you receive housing benefit; or you are 60 years of age or older.
• Prior study: As a rule, this refers to your first university degree, although there are some exceptions in the case of a change of subject or postgraduate programmes.

How to apply

You can apply for this grant online via your ‘Student Finance NI’ account or using a paper form available from your local office. There is no separate application form for this grant; it is assessed as part of your general application for student finance. The deadline is 9 months after the first day of your academic year, but you should apply for the grant well in advance to ensure your funding is confirmed before your studies begin. You must reapply each year.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a merit-based grant, but rather a means-tested state benefit; therefore, there is neither a selection panel nor a fixed number of places. If you live in Northern Ireland, meet the residency requirements and fall into one of the listed categories, whilst not exceeding the income threshold, you will receive the grant. The main hurdle is proving that you belong to one of the specific groups. You should therefore check this first and submit your application as soon as the annual application window opens.