Funding advice
Grants and bursaries
Depending on your circumstances and the course, you might be able to get financial help through a grant. Grants do not have to be paid back. Bursaries are similar to grants but are usually linked to a particular career or type of course, such as Dance and Drama Awards or residential bursaries.
Grants
Discretionary Learner Support
If you are aged 19 or over, Discretionary Learner Support might be one source of help.
Educational Grants Advisory Service
Some charities and trusts offer financial help, but their eligibility rules vary. The Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS) provides information and advice on sources of funding through their directory, helpline and website.
General Federation of Trades Unions
The General Federation of Trades Unions Educational Trust has grants for full-time and Open University students of specific subjects within economic theory and history, industrial law, history and the principles of industrial relations.
Bursaries
Bursaries are similar to grants but they are usually linked to a certain career, qualification or type of course.
Dance and Drama Awards
Dance and Drama Awards are scholarships funded by the Young People's Learning Agency to help with fees for approved courses and living costs.
Support if you're studying away from home
If you need to study away from home because the course you want to do is not available locally, you might be able to get help with the cost of your term-time accommodation.
City & Guilds
City & Guilds offer a small number of bursaries each year to people who would like to study for a City & Guilds qualification. The bursaries can be used for costs including course fees, learning materials, childcare or travel. Applications are considered in April and September each year.
