Students who find themselves in financial difficulties while studying, or find they are facing extra costs in order to complete their course, may receive help from the Access to Learning Fund (ALF). Payments are usually given as grants, and do not need to be repaid, although sometimes short-term loans are offered.
Anyone can apply to the ALF but some groups, including students with children, mature students, students from low-income families, disabled students and students who have been in care, receive priority. Students should apply through their university or college Student Services department.
For further information about the ALF visit:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/Extrahelp
