Educational Grants for UK Students

The UK charity Family Action administer a range of educational grants on behalf of many small charities through their grants programme. In general grants are made for £200 to £300 although there are no set limits. Each organisation has it's own criteria for awarding grants but applicants may qualify if they meet the following criteria.

* Are studying at a college or university that is affiliated to EGAS.

* A family or individual with a low income.

* Studying a course likely to lead to improved employment prospects.

* Is a British citizen, an asylum seeker, a refugee or have leave to remain.

* Living anywhere in the UK.

The Ruth Hayman Trust awards small grants to support the education and training of adults resident in the UK who speak a language other than English as their first language.

The maximum grant awarded is usually £300, though certain students may be able to apply for a further £500 in the form of the Rose Grant Special Award.

Grants can be used for

* registration, course and exam fees which you have to pay yourself (these receive priority) and when possible for

* books (dictionaries only at present)

* equipment (special cases only)

* costs of joining professional bodies

Grants will not be awarded for

* fares, except for disabled students with an accompanying statement from a doctor

* accommodation and living expenses

* childcare

* computers

* overseas students to study in the UK or abroad

nor, usually, for * Post-graduate higher education

The Rose Grant Special Award is £500 and is paid in addition to the usual award of up to £300 and will be made when the trustees consider that a suitable applicant meets the following criteria;

* academic excellence or outstanding progress

* a commitment to the community and/or to human rights

* financial need

The Marshall Trust The Marshall Trust helps students who have lived in the City of Glasgow for at least five years prior to starting further or higher education. Applicants should be over 18 years of age. Awards are made under various categories e.g. mature students, post graduate students, travel and school excursions. Awards are given towards the cost of the following:

* Books,

* Living expenses,

* Study/travel abroad for people in further/higher education;

* Course fees,

* Travel,

* Equipment/instruments for people wishing to undertake vocational training.

* Mature students may also qualify for assistance with childcare costs, books, travel and fees.

Grants can be one-off or recurrent and are normally given for courses where no grant assistance is available from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland or where grants/loans do not cover the total costs.

Awards will not be given

* Retrospectively

* To students studying in privately owned institutions.

Turn2us aims to help people access the money available to them - through benefits, grants and other financial help. The website has search facilities covering grants for various purposes, including both education and general welfare from hundreds of charitable organisations. Unlike the above it is not solely for students and can assist individuals in a range of circumstances.