Yes, some. There is no general maintenance grant for most new students in England, but mature students can get extra grants they do not pay back, such as the Childcare Grant, Parents' Learning Allowance, Adult Dependants' Grant and Disabled Students' Allowance, plus bursaries and hardship funds from universities. Most students also take out a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan.
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Grants vs loans: the honest picture
Most of the money for university in England comes from loans: a Tuition Fee Loan for your course fees and a Maintenance Loan for living costs. You only start repaying once you earn over the repayment threshold set by government, and anything left at the end of the repayment term is written off. On top of the loans, there are grants that you do not pay back. These are the ones mature students most often miss.
Grants for students with children or adult dependants
If you study at least 120 credits a year (a normal full-time year), you may be able to get extra money that does not have to be paid back:
- Childcare Grant: helps with registered childcare costs for children under 15, or under 17 with special educational needs.
- Parents' Learning Allowance: helps with course costs if you have dependent children.
- Adult Dependants' Grant: if an adult, such as your partner, depends on you financially.
All three depend on your household income. You apply for them through Student Finance England, alongside your main application.
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
If you have a disability, a long-term health condition, a mental health condition or a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, you may get Disabled Students' Allowance. It pays for support such as specialist equipment or study help. It does not depend on income and is not paid back. You need to be studying at least 30 credits a year.
University bursaries, scholarships and hardship funds
Many universities and colleges offer their own bursaries, scholarships and hardship funds. Gov.uk lists mature students with existing financial commitments, students with children and single parents among those who may get hardship help. Each university sets its own rules, so check the funding pages of the universities on your shortlist. We help you find what is available on the courses you are considering.
Healthcare and social work courses
If you study nursing, midwifery or many allied health professions in England, you may be able to get a non-repayable grant from the NHS Learning Support Fund, on top of your Student Finance. Social work students may be able to get a social work bursary.
Before university: Access to HE and adult courses
If you need a qualification before starting a degree, an Access to Higher Education Diploma can be paid for with an Advanced Learner Loan. If you then complete a higher education course, Student Finance England writes off the outstanding Access to HE loan. Some adults can get a grant for a level 3 course from the adult skills fund instead, so ask the college first. Often there is a quicker route: many degrees with a foundation year accept adults without A levels or an Access course. See university without A levels.
Is the maintenance grant coming back?
Maintenance grants for most new students in England ended in 2016. The government has said it plans to bring back targeted maintenance grants for some students in future, but they are not part of Student Finance for courses starting in January 2027. We will update this page when official rules are published on gov.uk.
Charities and trusts
Some charities and educational trusts give small grants to adult learners, often based on where you live, your job or your circumstances. The Turn2us grants search is a good free place to start.
How Dream Wise can help
We help adults living in England choose a course, apply to university and prepare their Student Finance England application, including the extra grants above where they apply. Our guidance is free to students. Student Finance England and universities make all decisions on funding. See if a degree could work for you.
Quick answers
Can mature students get grants in the UK?
Yes, some. In England there is no general maintenance grant for most new students, but mature students can get the Childcare Grant, Parents' Learning Allowance, Adult Dependants' Grant and Disabled Students' Allowance if eligible, plus university bursaries and hardship funds. None of these are normally paid back.
Do I have to pay back a student grant?
No. Grants and bursaries do not normally have to be paid back. Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans are repaid only once you earn over the repayment threshold set by government.
Are there free university courses for adults in the UK?
Degree courses in England are not free, but the Tuition Fee Loan pays the fees up front and you repay nothing until you earn over the threshold. Some adults can get a free or grant-funded level 3 course before university.
Can I get a grant if I have children?
If you study at least 120 credits a year, you may be able to get the Childcare Grant and Parents' Learning Allowance, depending on your household income. You apply through Student Finance England.
Who decides if I get a grant?
Student Finance England decides on Student Finance grants, and each university decides on its own bursaries. Dream Wise is an independent consultancy and cannot promise any outcome.
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This article is general information only, not financial or legal advice, and is not affiliated with Student Finance England, UCAS, any university or government body. Rules, amounts and processes can change. Always confirm current details at gov.uk and with the relevant provider. © 2026 Dream Wise Education Ltd.
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