Janice Lozano
A student grant is a sum of money awarded to students to help them with university expenses. Unlike student loans, grants do not need to be paid back. They are typically awarded to students with financial needs or those who meet specific criteria, such as having adult dependants, disabilities, or belonging to underrepresented groups. Grants are offered by governments, universities, charities, and trusts, with varying eligibility requirements and application processes. Some grants are specific to certain regions or educational institutions, and they may be targeted towards students pursuing particular fields of study or with specific backgrounds.
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What You'll Learn
Who can get a student grant?
Student grants are available for those who need extra financial support to attend university. While student loans need to be paid back, grants do not. Charities and trusts typically award grants to underrepresented groups, while universities offer bursaries.
In the US, the Department of Education administers grant funding programs to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness, foster educational excellence, and ensure equal access. To apply for grant funding, students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form asks for details about family situation, income, and assets. State departments of education set their own requirements for state-funded grants, which may require additional forms. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs) are awarded to students with exceptional financial need, with priority given to Pell Grant recipients. Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants are awarded to education students who agree to teach full time for four years in a high-need area. TEACH grants are contingent on specific action, and if the teaching obligation is not fulfilled, the grant converts to an unsubsidized federal loan. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants (IASG) are available to Pell-eligible students whose parent or guardian was a member of the US Armed Forces and died as a result of service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001.
In California, the California Student Aid Commission provides state financial aid for students who meet certain income, asset, and financial aid standards to attend college. The Cal Grant is California-specific financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Applicants must meet eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements. There are three types of Cal Grants—A, B, and C—and eligibility is based on the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application responses, GPA, the type of California colleges listed on the application, and whether the applicant is a recent high school graduate. The Cal Grant B Foster Youth award allows current and former foster youth to be eligible for increased Cal Grant eligibility until their 26th birthday. The Cal Grant C program provides free money to students pursuing an occupational or technical program.
In the UK, there are grants for students with adult dependants, offering between £2640 and £3354 a year in student funding. There are also disability grants, such as the DSA, which covers physical disabilities, mental health conditions, and issues such as dyspraxia. The DSA can provide between £1,725 and £33,146, depending on the level of support and specialist equipment needed.
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Grants for students with disabilities
A student grant is a sum of money that is given to students to help cover the costs of university. Unlike student loans, grants do not need to be paid back. Charities and trusts usually award grants to underrepresented groups, and universities offer bursaries to students from underrepresented groups.
Students with disabilities often face financial challenges and additional obstacles when it comes to pursuing a college education. For instance, students with mobility issues may find it difficult to navigate a university campus, and those with visual or hearing impairments may struggle to integrate into a traditional classroom setting. However, grants for students with disabilities can help to alleviate some of these challenges.
In the United States, the U.S. Department of Education offers discretionary grants for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), passed in 1975 and revised in 2004, has pushed for better access for students with disabilities at colleges and universities. This legislation has addressed issues of physical accessibility, and there are now many colleges and universities with highly regarded programs for students with disabilities.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, for example, has been a leader in educational services for students with disabilities since the founding of its Division of Disability Resources & Educational Services in 1948. Similarly, the University of California, Berkeley, has offered world-class disability programs since the 1960s, and their Disabled Students Program continues to provide academic opportunities and teach independent living skills. Wayne State University is another example of an institution dedicated to making its campus wheelchair-accessible and offering financial, instructional, and personal assistance to students with disabilities.
In the United Kingdom, the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a disability grant that covers a range of needs, from physical disabilities and injuries to mental health conditions and issues such as dyspraxia. The DSA can provide between £1,725 and £33,146, depending on the level of support and specialist equipment required. Many universities in the UK also offer bursaries to help students with disabilities adjust to university life.
Additionally, there are private organizations and foundations that sponsor grants and scholarships for students with disabilities. For example, the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) offers scholarships for students with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities. These scholarships can be used to fund tuition, tutoring, educational resources, and other related costs.
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Non-repayable grants
A student grant is financial support for those in higher education. Unlike student loans, grants do not need to be paid back. Charities and trusts usually award grants to underrepresented groups, while universities, charities, and trusts offer bursaries.
There are various non-repayable grants available for students, depending on their circumstances. For instance, students with adult dependants can receive between £2640 and £3354 a year in funding. This support is means-tested and may affect any income-related benefits or credits received.
Students with disabilities can also access non-repayable grants. The DSA (Disability Student Allowance) is available for those with physical disabilities, mental health conditions, or issues such as dyspraxia. The DSA can provide between £1,725 to £33,146, depending on the level of support and specialist equipment needed.
In Canada, full-time students in financial need can receive up to $4,200 per year or $525 per month of study in non-repayable grants. This support is available for undergraduate students studying full-time, and eligibility is assessed when applying for student aid.
Students should also research grants offered by charities relevant to their specific condition or circumstance, as well as scholarships and bursaries offered by their university. These can provide additional financial support to help with the costs of university.
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State-funded grants
A student grant is a sum of money that is given to students to help them with university expenses. Unlike student loans, grants do not need to be paid back. Grants are typically awarded to students who live under certain circumstances and need extra financial support to get them through university.
In addition to state-funded grants, there are also federal grants available, such as the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs), which are awarded to students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients, but it's important to note that not all schools participate in the FSEOG program, and funding limits vary. Another example is the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, which are awarded to education students who agree to teach full time for four years in a high-need area. If the teaching obligation is not fulfilled, the grant converts to an unsubsidized federal loan.
Furthermore, disability grants are also available, such as the DSA, which covers everything from physical disabilities to mental health conditions. The DSA can provide between £1,725 to £33,146, depending on the level of support and specialist equipment needed to adapt to university life. Adults with dependants can also receive grants, with funding ranging from £2,640 to £3,354 per year.
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Institutional grants
A student grant is a sum of money that is given to students to help them with their living costs while they are at university. Unlike student loans, grants do not need to be paid back. Grants are typically awarded to students from underrepresented groups or those facing financial difficulties.
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
UIC offers various institutional grants, such as the UIC Opportunity Grant, which replaced the UIC Access to Excellence Grant program. The Opportunity Grant is available to freshmen for up to eight semesters or to transfer students for up to four semesters. For students who have exceeded the semester limits but have completed 96 credits or more, UIC offers a one-time Completion Grant of up to $1,850 for the 2022/2023 academic year.
UIC also has the Student-to-Student Grant, which is funded by fees collected from UIC students. This grant is for undergraduate Illinois residents seeking their first bachelor's degree, enrolled full-time, and eligible for the MAP grant with a specific Expected Family Contribution (EFC) level.
University of California, Davis
The University of California, Davis, offers institutional grants such as the Orientation Grant, which is given to students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of up to $6,656 for the 2025-2026 academic year. The amount is based on the orientation fee charge and the student's housing status.
Additionally, UC Davis provides a University Grant for students with dependent children under 18 who they support financially by more than 50%. The grant amount can be up to $7,314 per year and is determined by financial need, enrolled units, academic progress, and completed financial aid requirements.
Summer Grants and Other Opportunities
Some universities offer summer grants for students enrolled in summer courses who meet specific financial need criteria. These grants may be contingent on the timely submission of required documentation. Additionally, universities may have partnerships with charities and trusts that offer grants to students enrolled in specific courses or degree levels. It is always worth checking with the university directly to understand the grant options available.
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Frequently asked questions
Student grants are a form of financial aid for students who need extra support to get them through university. Unlike student loans, grants do not need to be paid back.
To apply for grant funding, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form asks questions about your family situation, income, assets, age, marital status, and other circumstances.
There are various types of student grants available, including:
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs) for students with exceptional financial need.
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants for education students who agree to teach full-time for four years in a high-need area.
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants (IASG) for students whose parent or guardian was a member of the US Armed Forces and died as a result of service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001.
- Disability grants, such as the DSA in the UK, which covers the cost of specialist equipment and support for students with disabilities or mental health conditions.
- Adult Dependants' Grants for students with adult dependants.
- State grants, which are often limited to in-state institutions.
- Institutional grants offered directly by colleges and universities to fill the gap between federal/state funding and attendance costs.
Eligibility for student grants depends on various factors, including financial need, academic performance, and personal circumstances. Each grant will have its own specific eligibility criteria, so it's important to review the requirements carefully. For example, the Cal Grant in California requires applicants to meet financial and minimum GPA standards, while the TEACH Grant is specifically for education students who commit to teaching in high-need areas.
