There is no statutory or University funding available for postgraduate distance learning students. For details on potential financial assistance for postgraduate students visit the Postgraduate section of this website.

What financial assistance is available for distance learning part-time undergraduate students?

Distance learning part-time home undergraduate students have access to two main sources of financial support:

• Statutory Support available from Student Finance England
• University Funding (Access to Learning Fund, Additional Fee Support Scheme).

Can I apply for part-time funding?

Home Students (UK) can apply to Student Finance England for Statutory Support if they meet the following residence requirements:

• Be a UK national or have 'settled status' in the UK (under the terms of the Immigration Act 1971); and
• Be "ordinarily resident" in England;
• Have been "ordinarily resident" in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for the three years immediately before starting the course - and not wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education

There are certain exceptions to the above. For more detailed information contact a University Welfare Officer (details at the end of this leaflet)

• Be studying a course that is at least 50% of an equivalent full-time course (usually 3 or more modules per year) - ask the relevant College or Department for details;
• Not already hold a degree or other qualification which is equivalent to or higher than your new chosen programme of study.

All home students can also apply for

University Funding, but if you are eligible to apply for the Statutory Support above, you must do that first.

When and how do I apply?

Statutory Support:

You can get an application form (PTG1) and a "Guide to Financial Support for Part-Time Students in Higher Education" from the Student Finance information line: 0800 7319133, or contact Student Finance England on 0845 300 5090. The form is also available from the Direct Gov website.

There are deadlines for applying for statutory support depending on when your course starts - refer to "Guide to Financial Support for Part-Time Students in Higher Education" for details. At busy times such as August to October, applications may take several weeks to assess.

University Funding

The University manages a wide source of funding from which you may be able to receive help towards part-time fees and course related costs. These funds are primarily aimed at supporting students who are entering higher education for the first time although if you attained a degree level qualification more than five years ago your application will be considered. Only in very exceptional circumstances will consideration be given to applicants who graduated less than five years ago.

University funding available:

• Additional Fee Support Scheme (AFSS) may provide: Additional fee support, if you are a low income student who qualifies for statutory support, but your award is insufficient to meet your full tuition fee.
• Access to Learning Fund may provide: Fieldwork cost support: A student in receipt of maximum statutory support will be entitled to compulsory residential costs up to a maximum of £50 travel and £20 per night accommodation.
• Fee Concession Scheme may provide: A 30% reduction in fees if you are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance / Attendance Allowance / Incapacity Benefit / Severe Disablement Allowance / Employment Support Allowance.

How is my situation assessed?

Statutory Support will depend on your income and that of your partner if applicable. There are maximum income limits above which you cannot get any financial support. For example: a couple with two children and an income less than £21,845 would receive the full fee and course grant, but with an income in excess of £33,066, they would receive NO support. Between these figures, the fee and course grant is reduced accordingly. For more information refer to “Guide to Financial Support for Part-Time Students in Higher Education”

University Support will be determined via an assessment which takes into account your course, your financial situation and personal circumstances, previous study and any support you have received from University funds before.

There is no guarantee of an award from any of the University managed funds and where an award is approved, you will normally be expected to pay at least 10% of the fees yourself. Your contribution may be higher depending on the outcome of your assessment, the cost of your course and funding availability.

For all funding you must re-apply for each new academic year of your course.

What if my application is unsuccessful?

Statutory Support: if you are unhappy with the decision regarding your Statutory Support please refer to the appeals process of Student Finance England.

University Funding: you can speak to a Student Finance Adviser at the University by telephone, email or, if you are local to the University‟s main campus, you may wish to make an appointment to meet with an Adviser. You will be able to discuss concerns about your application and consider other possible funding routes to meet your needs. If you are unhappy with the decision, there is an appeals procedure you can follow. This will be detailed in your notification letter. 

What other help is available?

Student Finance Advisers: The Student Finance Advisers in the University‟s Student Welfare Service can advise on a range of financial matters, including how to maximise your income, the availability of external funding (such as state benefits) and can offer help with budgeting.

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA): DSAs are available to provide assistance with costs incurred as a direct result of a disability or specific learning difficulty. DSAs are not income assessed. For further information and advice, please contact the University of Leicester‟s AccessAbility Centre.  See also Student Finance England's Funding for Disabled Students.

Charities/Trust Funds: There are a number of grant-making organisations that may consider giving help to students, particularly in certain priority groups (e.g. lone parents, students with disabilities). Directories are held at most reference libraries and further information is available on our website. 

Useful websites

General Finance:

DirectGov

Money Saving Expert

EGAS Online

Database of UK Charities 

Useful publications