UK Government - Special Support Grant   

What the Special Support Grant gives you

You will receive a grant of up to about EUR 9,600 per year (up to £8,260 in 2026/27, and even more if you’re studying in London), which you will never have to repay. This is a government grant from the UK student finance system, administered by Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales or Student Finance Northern Ireland, depending on where you live. The exact amount depends on your household income, as well as where you live and study. You’ll receive the grant in three instalments spread across the academic year and can renew it every year of your studies. The key point is that the grant isn’t counted as income when calculating your means-tested benefits, so you can keep both the grant and your benefits.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and are studying full-time at a British university.
• Degree level: You are studying full-time to obtain your first higher education qualification.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• The key filter: You are receiving certain means-tested benefits or are in one of the following situations: for example, you are a single parent looking after a child under the age of 20 who attends a full-time school; you have a disability and receive benefits such as PIP or the Disability Living Allowance (Disability Living Allowance); you are receiving housing benefit or the housing component of Universal Credit; you are deaf and receive the Disabled Student Allowance; you have been unable to work for at least 28 weeks; or (in Wales) you are 60 years of age or older.
• Income: The amount depends on your household income. If your income is lower, you will be granted the full allowance.

How to apply

Apply for the grant through the student finance body responsible for your region in the UK, at the same time as you submit your main application for student finance. You can also submit your application up to nine months after the start of your academic year. You must provide evidence of the benefit you are receiving and renew your application each year.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competition that you can win or lose. It is a set entitlement: if you are completing your first degree as a full-time student, are in receipt of one of the listed social security benefits, or find yourself in one of the situations mentioned and can provide evidence of this, you will receive the grant. Your task is to gather the correct supporting documents and submit your application by the deadline – not to outdo other applicants.