England 2013/14 - values of student grants

Student grants

1st cycle full-time – the support package includes a need-based grant for living costs. The maximum is GBP 3 354 (for students with a household income of GBP 25 000 or less). In 2012/13, 40 % of applicants were awarded a full grant and 14 % were awarded a partial grant (provisional). Students who are lone parents or who have certain disabilities may be eligible for a special support grant.

1st cycle part-time – grants and loans for living costs are not available.

1st cycle – all institutions charging more than GBP 6 000 must offer National Scholarship Programme (NSP) awards to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Awards include bursaries, fee waivers and 'in-kind' support. Many institutions also offer other bursaries and scholarships aimed at students from under-represented groups.

2nd cycle – with the exception of a few specific disciplines, such as teaching, social work and some health professions, the majority of students following taught programmes are self-financing. There is some support for students on doctoral research programmes (which may incorporate masters level study). The Research Councils set a minimum level for this stipend which for 2013/14 is GBP 13 726 per year.

2nd cycle – around 60 % of students on taught programmes and 30 % of research students do not receive any support towards tuition fees or living costs.