Student Finance NI works out the part-time grants. Bursaries and Support Funds come from your university or college.
Quick facts
- Fee grant
- £820, £985 or £1,230, by course intensity
- Course grant
- Up to £265
- Fee loan
- Up to £3,738.75, repayable
- Age limit
- None for part-time grants
- Minimum bursary
- 10% of the fee, on full maintenance grant
- Hardship
- Support Funds and college hardship funds
Grants for part-time students
If you are a part-time higher education student and studying at least 50 per cent of a comparable full-time course, you may be entitled to a grant towards your fees and course costs. Eligibility for a grant will depend on your income and that of your husband, wife or partner. There is no age limit for this support. You will not have to repay this help.
In 2026 - 2027 there are three different rates of fee grant depending on how intensive your course is:
- less than 60 per cent of the full-time course: up to £820
- 60 to 74 per cent: up to £985
- 75 per cent or more: up to £1,230
In 2026 - 2027, the maximum course grant is £265 and does not depend on how intensive your course is. If you already have a degree you can't normally apply for this support.
Fee loan
If you are studying at least 25 per cent of a comparable full-time course, you may also be eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £3,738.75 in 2026-2027. The Fee Loan isn’t based on household income and is repayable. It is reduced by any fee grant you get. If you normally live in Northern Ireland you can get this package for a part-time course elsewhere in the UK too. See Student Finance NI.
University and college bursaries
Universities and colleges decide what to offer, but those based in Northern Ireland must offer a minimum payment of 10 per cent of the tuition fee to students who get the full maintenance grant or special support grant. Bursaries don’t have to be repaid unless you leave your course early. The Open University in Northern Ireland has its own bursaries and scholarships, including for carers and care-experienced students. Ask your university's student finance office.
All Ireland Scholarships: £5,850 a year
The All Ireland Scholarships Scheme offers financial support of £5,850 per academic year to the top-performing students from low-income households, intending to do an undergraduate degree course at university or college.
It gives 25 scholarships per year in Northern Ireland, for the length of the degree: 19 to the top A level students at grant-aided schools, with a minimum of two in each county, and one to the top Level 3 Extended Diploma student at each of the six FE colleges.
You must have been getting Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) at the time of examination. The scholarship can be used at universities in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. See EMA in Northern Ireland.
Support Funds and hardship funds
Support Funds from the Department for the Economy help higher education students in genuine financial hardship, paid through Northern Ireland's universities and colleges. They can cover living costs, childcare, emergencies such as a broken appliance, or help if you are thinking of giving up your course because of money. You can apply if you’re a registered full-time or part-time higher education student, or if you’re doing a postgraduate course at a Northern Ireland higher education institution.
All further education colleges provide a Hardship Fund for students experiencing significant financial problems. You’ll be expected to have applied for any Student Loans, grants and bursaries you’re entitled to first. See also extra help for students.
Common questions
Is there an age limit for part-time student grants?
No. There is no age limit for this support.
Do I have to pay the part-time grants back?
No. You will not have to repay the fee grant or course grant. The fee loan is repayable.
Can I get a part-time grant if I already have a degree?
Not normally. If you already have a degree you can't normally apply for this support.