Student Finance Northern Ireland - Adult Dependants' Grant

Adult Dependants' Grant

You will receive up to £2,695 per academic year (about 3,110 EUR) if another adult is financially dependent on you whilst you are studying. As this is a grant, you do not have to repay it unless your circumstances change and you receive payments that are too high. The exact amount depends on your household income and is calculated on an individual basis. The money will be paid directly into a UK bank or building society account held in your name in three instalments throughout the year. It is provided by Student Finance Northern Ireland, the government body that provides financial support to students resident in Northern Ireland.

Who can apply

• Where you live: Your permanent residence is in Northern Ireland. Moving there solely for the purpose of studying does not count.
• Study level: You are a full-time student on a Bachelor’s degree programme, a ‘Foundation Degree’ programme, an HNC, HND or teacher training programme, or a similar higher education programme.
• Where you study: At least half of your degree programme takes place in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland at a publicly funded or recognised higher education institution.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: You are a British or Irish citizen, have ‘Settled Status’ or ‘Pre-Settled Status’, are a recognised refugee or are under humanitarian protection. You must also have lived in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for three years prior to the start of your degree programme.
• Who counts as your dependant: A spouse, civil partner or partner, if you are over 25, or another adult family member who relies primarily on your income. This person’s own annual income must be less than £3,873. Your children are not included in this, nor are people who receive their own student finance.
• Age: There is no minimum or maximum age.

How to apply

You can apply for funding online via your student finance account or by downloading a form. You will need to provide an estimate of your household income and confirm this at a later date. You may be asked to provide supporting documents, such as a P60 or your partner’s bank statements. Submit your application every year and as early as possible to ensure your funding is confirmed before you start your studies. The final deadline is 9 months after the first day of your academic year.