Savanna Hoffman
University can be expensive, and grants can help students secure extra money to cover their expenses. Grants are usually provided by governments or charitable organisations and are tailored to specific needs or situations. They are typically reserved for students from underrepresented groups or those living under certain circumstances who need extra financial support. Grants are often available for students with disabilities, those with dependants, or those facing travel costs. Unlike loans, grants are not required to be paid back and are, therefore, free additional funding to support students during their studies.
What kind of grants are available for university students?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Grant | Student Grants, NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF), Disabled Students' Allowance, DSA, Bursaries, Scholarships, Travel Grants, Childcare Grants, Maintenance Grants, Postgraduate Scholarships, Professional and Career Development Loans, etc. |
| Provider | Government, Charities, Trusts, Universities, NHS, Student Loans Company |
| Eligibility | Based on course, dependents, living situation, nationality, residency, financial need, disability, etc. |
| Application Process | May require financial evidence, essays, or interviews. Deadlines vary. |
| Value | Varies; can cover tuition, living costs, travel, equipment, childcare, etc. |
| Repayment | Grants generally do not need to be repaid. |
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What You'll Learn
Grants for international students
International students often rely on their personal finances to fund their education in the US. However, the high cost of attendance means that grants and scholarships are necessary to supplement their resources. Although financial aid programs for international students are less extensive than those for domestic students, grants are available to support international students in pursuing their degrees in the US. These grants are highly competitive and are usually awarded to high-achieving students pursuing advanced degrees in specialised fields.
The US Department of Education offers tips and resources to protect students from dishonest organisations and provides a handbook with detailed information on eligibility criteria for federal financial aid. International students can refer to this to understand their options. Permanent residents can apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This also helps colleges and universities determine whether a student qualifies for institutional aid.
The Fulbright Education Exchange Program is another option for international students. It offers highly competitive merit-based grants that cover round-trip transportation, monthly stipends, and full or partial tuition. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides financial assistance to international students pursuing graduate degrees at accredited US institutions. The Fulbright International Education Administrators Program is another Fulbright initiative that provides grants for US and foreign students.
The American Association of University Women also sponsors the annual AAUW International Fellowship for women in 116 countries, providing funding for graduate and Master's degrees at US colleges and universities.
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Grants for students with disabilities
University can be expensive, and for students with disabilities, there may be additional costs on top of tuition fees and living expenses. These could include specialist equipment, travel, or other support services. Grants can provide a solution to funding university for students with disabilities, and there are a variety of options available.
In the US, the Department of Education offers discretionary grants for students with disabilities. These grants aim to improve access for students with disabilities, enhance the abilities of faculty staff working with disabled students, and expand inclusive transition and postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities.
There are also grants available from private organisations and charities. For example, the National Center for Learning Disabilities offers scholarships for students with documented diagnoses of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities. The Anne Ford Scholarship is a $10,000 grant awarded to a graduating high school senior with a learning disability who will enrol in a full-time bachelor's degree program. The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship is a $5,000 grant awarded over two years to a graduating high school senior with ADHD and a learning disability who will enrol in a two-year community college or specialised program.
In the UK, the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a grant that covers a range of disabilities and mental health conditions. The DSA can provide between £1,725 to £33,146 to help with the cost of specialist equipment and support services. However, students who are already claiming other types of grants or bursaries may not be eligible for the DSA. Many universities also offer their own bursaries and grants to help students with disabilities adjust to university life.
When considering grants, it is important to note that the application process can vary. Some grants may require financial evidence, essays, or interviews. It is also important to be mindful of deadlines, as these can vary across grant providers.
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Travel grants
There are a variety of grants available for university students, including travel grants. Travel grants are offered to students who are required to travel for their course or placement. Here are some examples of travel grants for university students:
University students may be eligible for travel grants if their course requires them to travel, such as for a clinical placement or a study abroad program. These grants can help cover the costs of transportation, accommodation, and other related expenses. Some specific examples of travel grants include:
- Foundation for Global Scholars: This organisation awards study abroad scholarships three times annually, with a focus on supporting underrepresented students in their international endeavours. The grant covers round-trip transportation and room and board.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program: With approximately 1,900 grants awarded annually, this program offers opportunities for international graduate study, advanced research, or English teaching assistantships worldwide.
- Critical Language Scholarship Program: This program offers fully-funded language instruction and cultural enrichment experiences overseas for 13 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. It is open to U.S. undergraduates and covers program costs for a minimum of one semester, with a preference for a full year.
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: Supporting U.S. undergraduate students of limited financial means, this program enables students to study or intern abroad.
- Christianson Grant: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, this grant is for U.S. undergraduates or graduates who want to work or volunteer overseas. The program may not be part of a degree requirement, and it covers program costs for a minimum of eight to ten weeks.
- Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships: These fellowships are available to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who want to engage in area studies and world language training at designated schools.
- Country-specific grants: Some grants are specific to certain countries or regions. For example, students from Northern Ireland and Wales can apply for a Maintenance Grant to help with living costs.
- Disability grants: Students with disabilities may be eligible for disability grants, such as the DSA (Disability Students Allowance), which can provide financial support for travel and specialist equipment.
These are just a few examples of the travel grants available for university students. There are also other types of grants and scholarships that can help fund travel expenses, such as those offered by universities, charities, and trusts. It is important for students to research and apply for grants that match their specific needs and circumstances.
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Grants for students with dependants
There are various grants available for university students, some of which are means-tested, while others are awarded based on merit. Grants are typically provided by charities and trusts to underrepresented groups, and they do not need to be paid back, unlike student loans.
Students with dependants may be eligible for grants in addition to other forms of student aid. In Canada, for example, there are grants available for both full-time and part-time students with dependants who are in financial need. To be eligible, students must have a dependant under 12 years old or over 12 with a permanent disability, and their total family income must be below a certain threshold. The grant amounts vary, but eligible full-time students can receive up to $280 per month or $2,240 per year for each dependant.
Students in Nova Scotia with high financial need, including those with dependants, may also be eligible for grants. The average amount received by students with high need, disabilities, or dependants in 2018-2019 was between $12,000 and $13,000.
In the UK, while there do not appear to be specific grants for students with dependants, there are grants available for students with disabilities, which may help cover the cost of specialist equipment and support to adapt to university life.
Students with dependants should also be aware of the impact that grants may have on their future financial situation and eligibility for other forms of student aid. It is important to carefully review the application process and any potential implications before applying.
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NHS grants for medical students
There are various grants available for university students, including travel grants, disability grants, and grants for students from underrepresented groups. Grants are typically awarded by charities and trusts, rather than universities, colleges, or schools. They are available to students who live under certain circumstances and need extra financial support.
The NHS offers financial support to medical and dental students on university courses recognised by the General Medical Council and the General Dental Council, respectively. The funding is available to students who usually live in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
The NHS Bursary is a means-tested grant based on the income of the student or their spouse, partner, civil partner, or parents. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the NHS will pay a tuition fee contribution of up to £9,535 for an undergraduate course lasting 5 or 6 years, or up to £3,830 for a graduate entry course lasting 3 or 4 years. The rate for all students is £1,052.
If you are offered a place on an NHS-funded medicine course, the NHS Student Bursaries team will contact you to let you know how to apply. You will still need to apply to the funding authority for your region for additional government-funded support.
If you need to repeat a year that qualifies for the NHS Bursary, you may be entitled to up to 12 months of additional bursary.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a variety of grants available for university students in the UK, including the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, Advanced Learner Loan, funding for accommodation, Master's Loan, Doctoral Loan, Postgraduate scholarships for international students, Professional and Career Development Loans, Disabled Students' Allowance, Childcare Grant, Parents' Learning Allowance, Adult Dependants' Grant, Teacher training funding, Travel grants, Dance and Drama Awards, and the Music and Dance Scheme.
There are usually hundreds of grants available for international students studying in the UK. These grants are offered by universities, the UK government, and charities.
Student loans usually need to be repaid, whereas student grants are free money that does not need to be repaid. Student grants are typically paid in three equal instalments at the start of each academic term, although the timing and instalment patterns may vary.
