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If you find yourself struggling financially talk to us. You may be entitled to help from the Access to Learning Fund (ALF), which can help both undergraduate and postgraduate students with living and course-related costs such as travel, accommodation, books and childcare. Most awards don't have to be paid back. Occasionally we may instead offer a short-term interest free loan.

Once you have applied for the ALF, the university will look at your needs and decide how much you are entitled to. The money can be paid in a lump sum or in instalments and will be on top of your other student finance. You must have already taken out the full student loan available to you.

The Access to Learning Fund is open to applications from current enrolled students from the start of the Autumn term until the 1^st June, or until funds are exhausted if this is earlier. Students will be sent information regarding both the opening and closing of applications via their university email account.

Students with disabilities, mental health conditions, or specific learning differences (like dyslexia) can get help through the (DSA).

Eligibility for Support

• These allowances help UK students in Higher Education with extra study costs due to their disabilities.
• DSAs aim to ensure students with disabilities can study on an equal basis with others.
• DSAs are not based on income.

Benefits of DSA

• DSA covers extra study costs such as:
• Specialist equipment and software
• Travel expenses
• Non-medical one-to-one support
• Other course-related costs
• DSA does not need to be repaid and is not income-dependent.

Postgraduate Students

• DSA is available for both full-time and part-time postgraduate students.
• The amount depends on individual circumstances and course intensity.

Application Information

• Apply for DSA before starting university to have support ready when you arrive.
• Provide written proof of your disability from a medical professional.
• For specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, an independent assessment may be required, which you might need to pay for. Harper Adams can help through the Access to Learning Fund.
• To apply, you can:
  • Request an application form from your local education authority.
  • Download the DSA1 form and the Bridging the Gap information booklet from .

For more details, visit the or the .

Most students like to find paid work while they're studying. Many students work part-time in the evenings or on weekends, but you could choose to work during holiday periods instead. Some students also earn money during their placement year.

Where to find jobs

• Check the or local newspaper's website for job listings.
• On-campus job opportunities include working at the university bar, in catering, or on the farm.
• A popular job is being a student ambassador, representing the university at events and talking to prospective students and their families.

Benefits of working

• Working part-time provides extra cash, helps you make new friends, and teaches new skills.
• Skills gained include managing money, customer service, communication, teamwork, and meeting deadlines.

Be careful not to work too many hours or to let your studies suffer!

If you have dependent children, you may qualify for extra financial help on top of the standard student package. Depending on your circumstances you may be able to get:

The Childcare Grant

To help with childcare costs during term time and holidays. You can apply for the Childcare Grant (CCG) if you’re a full-time student and have at least one dependent child under 15 at the beginning of the academic year (or under 17 if they have special educational needs) in registered or approved childcare. It is important to provide evidence of your childcare provider or the CCG will be capped or even stopped. Depending on your household income you can apply for 85% of your actual childcare costs during term-time and holidays.

The Parents’ Learning Allowance

This can help with course-related costs for students with dependent children. This depends on your income and the income of your husband, wife or partner and any dependents. You can apply for the PLA even if you don’t get the Childcare Grant.

Adult Dependants’ Grant

You can apply for Adults Dependants’ Grant (ADG) if you have a partner or another adult who depends on you financially. This depends on your household income plus the income of your dependants (including your husband, wife, or partner). Grown up children don’t count as adult dependants. You will not be able to get ADG if the dependant is also studying and in the receipt of student finance.

Note: Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance won’t be counted when working out your entitlement to tax credits and other income-related benefits but Adult Dependants’ Grant will be taken into account.

As the above are grants they will not have to be paid back. For more information:

Postgraduate funding is not straightforward and may involve some research on your part. The following is a list of suggestions, but you may well find others, depending on your contacts and area of interest.

• Scholarships available through the Development Trust at 91Pro.
• UK Research Councils (various councils catering for different subjects - UK students only).
• Specialised funding schemes appropriate to rural/land-based study.
• Charities and trusts.
• Funding through employment including sponsorship by employers, research and graduate teaching assistantships, part-time work, part-time study or research.
• Other forms of finance including personal savings, parental/family contribution or loan, Career Development Loans, bank loan, grant from a trust or charity, access funds.

International students should contact The British Council or their country's education ministry for advice on alternative sources of funding.