Parents who are studying

You may be able to get help with childcare costs if you are a student.

This support may be through:

• government schemes

• extra student finance

• your university or college

Teenage parents aged under 20 are entitled to help from care to learn. This includes financial support for the costs of your childcare so that you can continue your education or training. Childcare costs are paid direct to the childcare provider.

Visit Care to Learn on GOV.UK for more information.

Students aged 19 or over, on a further education course and facing financial hardship can apply for Discretionary Learner Support. This can help with accommodation, travel, course materials and equipment.

You must be 20 or over to get help with childcare costs. If you’re 19, you can apply for Care to Learn instead.

You can apply at your college by speaking to the student support or welfare officer.

Visit Learner Support on GOV.UK for more information.

Students facing extreme financial difficulties may be able to apply for a hardship fund/bursary. Some colleges and universities offer this help if you're facing extreme financial difficulties. They are usually one off payments that you do not have to repay. Speak to the student services or welfare officer at your university.

Full time students with a child aged up to 15 (or 17 if your child has special needs) can apply for a Childcare Grant. It is based on your personal circumstances. The grant can cover up to 85% of your registered childcare costs.

You apply online as part of your main student finance application.

Visit Childcare Grant on GOV.UK for more information.

Full time students can apply for Parents' Learning Allowance. It supports you with course related costs such as childcare, travel, books, and equipment. The amount you receive will depend on your circumstances and is paid in three instalments alongside your student loan. You will not have to repay it.

Visit Parents' Learning Allowance on GOV.UK for more information.

Full and part time students may apply for an Access to Learning Fund which is available through your university or college. It provides extra financial support to help you stay on a course if the Childcare Grant does not cover all the costs of your childcare. The amount you receive will depend on your circumstances. Speak to the student services or welfare officer at your university or college.

Full and part time students aged 16 or over are able to apply for educational or charitable trusts funding. It provides limited funding for individual students.

• Educational Grants Service (EGS): 0207 241 7459

• Visit Family Action 

Students studying an NHS accredited course may apply for a NHS Student Grant or Bursary. They are a range of bursaries, fee payments and grants. Some are based on your income and savings, some are not.

Visit NHS Bursary for more information.