Grants and Loans for Adult Learners

If you are planning to return to University, check out studentparents.org,  which provides a range of online information and tools including;

• ‘Jargon buster' to provide clear information about student support.
• Tips on preparing for higher education, including time management, childcare options and study skills.
• Case studies from students already balancing higher education with parenthood.
   

Going back to into further education can be an expensive business, here is a list of grants and loans that single parents have found useful.

Horizons - Education and training grants to support lone parents who have the motivation, determination and ability to improve their employment prospects. 

Family Action Education Grants - Primarily targeted at families and individuals with low incomes, particularly those living on benefits. Preference will be give to those studying courses likely to lead to improved employment prospects.

Learning for Free - Wide range of free courses available if you’re on income-related benefits, and there are opportunities for everyone to learn for free online.

Adult Learning Grant (ALG) - You could be eligible for up to £30 a week towards your learning costs through the Adult Learning Grant.

Help with childcare costs if you are over 20 years old - If you're aged 20 or over a parent, there are a number of sources that could help with childcare costs while you’re learning.

Help with childcare costs if you are under 20 years old - If you’re under 20 and have one or more children, Care to Learn can help with the cost of your childcare while you're learning. 

Professional and Career Development Loans - A Professional and Career Development Loan could help you pay for vocational or work-related learning. It's a deferred repayment bank loan which allows you to borrow between £300 and £10,000.

Benefits for higher education students with low incomes - Part-time students and certain groups of full-time students may sometimes be eligible for income-related benefits.

Turn2us - A charitable service which helps people access the money available to them – through welfare benefits, grants and other help.