The Student Assistance Fund is held by your own college and handed out by your own access office, which is why it is invisible from the outside. It supports full-time or part-time higher education students experiencing financial difficulties, and it is designed to sit on top of the student grant rather than instead of it.
Quick facts
- Covers
- Rent, heat and light, food, books, travel, childcare, medical
- Does not cover
- Tuition fees, registration fees, loan repayments
- Who
- Full-time or part-time higher education students
- Apply to
- Your college access office
What it can pay for
- Books and class materials
- Rent, heating and lighting bills
- Food
- Essential travel
- Childcare costs for students who are parents
- Medical costs
It is meant as financial support in addition to the student grant. It does not cover tuition fees, registration fees or student loan repayments — so if fees are the problem, this is the wrong door.
Which colleges have it
Universities, institutes of technology and some approved colleges take part. Ask your access office or student services — the fund is administered by the college itself, not by SUSI or the Department.
Common questions
What does the Student Assistance Fund cover?
Does it cover my fees?
Can part-time students apply?
Where do I apply?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
Keep going
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