If you have children or an adult dependent, and you want to study a full-time undergraduate course or an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme, you may be able to get extra help. Content provided by Student Finance England.

You could get a Childcare Grant (CCG), Parents’ Learning Allowance (PLA) or Adult Dependants’ Grant (ADG). These grants are paid in addition to your main student finance, and don’t usually have to be paid back.


What's available?

There are three types of dependants' grants you could be eligible for.

Parents' Learning Allowance (PLA)

This helps with course-related costs if you have dependent children. How much you can get depends on your household income, which is your income and the income of your partner and any dependants.

The maximum you could get is: 

  • £1,963 for the 2024 to 2025 academic year
  • £1,915 for the 2023 to 2024 academic year

Find out more and how to apply


Childcare Grant (CCG)

You can apply for help to pay your childcare costs. 

For the 2024 to 2025 academic year you could get:

  • up to £193.62 a week for one child, or up to 85% of your weekly costs (whichever is less)
  • up to £331.95 a week for two or more children, or up to 85% of your weekly costs (whichever is less)

For the 2023 to 2024 academic year you could get:

  • up to £188.90 a week for one child, or up to 85% of your weekly costs (whichever is less)
  • up to £323.85 a week for two or more children, or up to 85% of your weekly costs (whichever is less)

If you or your partner gets the childcare element of Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit, or Tax-Free Childcare from HM Revenue & Customs, you won't be able to get a Childcare Grant at the same time.

Find out more and how to apply


Adult Dependants' Grant (ADG)

You can apply for an Adult Dependants' Grant if you have a partner or another adult who depends on you financially.

Depending on your household income, the maximum you could get is:

  • £3,438 for the 2024 to 2025 academic year 
  • £3,354 for the 2023 to 2024 academic year 

You can't get Adults Dependants' Grants for your child, or if the dependent adult is a student getting student finance.

Find out more and how to apply