Student Finance Wales - Childcare Grant

Childcare Grant from Student Finance Wales

You will receive a grant of 85% of your childcare bills, up to £196 per week (about 226 EUR) for one child or up to £335 per week (about 387 EUR) for two or more children in the year 2026/27. You will need to pay for anything not covered by the grant yourself. The money is not a loan, so you will never have to pay it back. It will be paid directly into your bank account three times a year, at the start of each semester, and will be available to you for as long as you are studying. If you have not yet chosen a childcare provider at the time of applying, the grant will initially be capped at a lower amount (£150 per week or 85% of your actual costs, whichever is lower) until you provide the provider’s details. This is state student finance, administered by Student Finance Wales.

Who can apply

• You have a young child: at least one child under the age of 15 who is financially dependent on you, or under the age of 17 if they have additional support needs.
• Registered childcare: Your childminder must be registered with the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW). Paying a relative to look after your child does not count as childcare.
• Your studies: You are a Bachelor’s student, studying full-time or part-time (including distance learning), and receive an income-related study grant. Part-time students receive a lower amount, which is determined by the intensity of their studies.
• Where you live: You live in Wales.
• Field of study: All participants are eligible to take part.
• No overlapping support: You are not entitled to this benefit if you are already receiving the childcare component of Universal Credit or the Working Tax Credit, as well as tax-free childcare from HMRC, or if you or your partner receive financial support from the NHS.

How to apply

First, apply for your main student finance. Then submit the separate application form for the childcare allowance, providing an estimate of your costs. You must also provide evidence that your children are dependent on you, such as a child benefit notification or your Universal Credit or tax credit award letter. If you indicated your interest in this when applying for the main student finance grant, the form will be sent to you automatically.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a merit-based grant, but an entitlement. If you are a bachelor’s degree student based in Wales who receives a means-tested grant, has a dependent child in registered childcare and are not already receiving overlapping childcare allowance, you are entitled to it. The main reason for exclusion is receiving the childcare component of another social security benefit – so please check this first. Provided your paperwork is in order, you are entitled to the allowance.