Funding for Ages 18-24 (Parentally Supported)
Funding Overview
If you’re aged 18 to 24 when your course starts, you’re classed as a parentally supported student, even if you don’t live with them. Your funding is based on household income, assessed in two steps:
- Parent(s)’ contribution: Your parent(s)’ income is assessed. If they earn over a certain amount, your funding may be reduced or not awarded.
- Student contribution: Money from a job doesn’t count, but unearned income (e.g., from renting property, pensions, or dividends) above £24.19/week during term time lowers your bursary by the same amount.
Note: You may be classed as self-supporting (parental income not assessed) if you meet specific criteria. See Could You Be Self-Supporting? below.
Funding for Ages 18-24 (Parentally Supported)
Funding Details
You could get the funding below to help with your studies. Funding amounts depend on household income unless otherwise noted.
|
Funding Type |
Details |
|
Course Fees |
Free for Home/Scottish students. |
|
Maintenance Bursary |
Up to £99.35/week (living with parents) or £125.55/week (own home). |
|
Travel Costs |
Covered if over 2 miles from college. Free bus travel for under 22s with an NEC. |
|
Study Costs |
Paid directly to your faculty for books, kits, uniforms, and other essentials. |
|
Disability Support |
Help for additional needs (e.g., interpreters, taxi). Not income-assessed. |
|
Childcare Fund |
Up to £312/week for registered childcare. |
|
Discretionary Fund |
Up to £80/week for rent or one-time emergency payment. |
How your parents’ income affects the weekly maintenance bursary:
|
Parent(s) Income |
Living with Parents |
Own Home |
|
£24,274 or less |
£99.35 |
£125.55 |
|
£28,000 |
£88.68 |
£114.88 |
|
£35,000 |
£70.59 |
£96.79 |
|
£50,000 |
£31.83 |
£58.03 |
|
£60,000 |
£0 |
£23.22 |
Note: If your parents support other children or students, this can reduce how much they’re expected to contribute, so your allowance might be higher.
If You’re on Benefits
If you’re receiving certain benefits, your funding may be different:
- Universal Credit: Maximum £28/week maintenance bursary. See Claiming Universal Credit.
- Income Support or ESA: No maintenance bursary.
Example Situations
- Sarah, 19, lives with her parents, who earn £50,000. She gets £31.83/week maintenance bursary, free tuition, course materials, and free bus travel (since she’s under 22).
- James, 22, lives in his own home. His parents earn £28,000. He gets £114.88/week maintenance bursary, free tuition, course materials, travel (over 2 miles), and discretionary funds for rent.
- Ahmed, 18, lives with his parents, who earn £75,000. He is not eligible for support due to the household income, but he gets free bus travel (since he’s under 22).
Could You Be Self-Supporting?
You might not need to provide your parents’ income if any of these apply to you:
- You have no living parents.
- You’re estranged from parents.
- You have a child.
- You’re married or living with a partner.
- You’ve supported yourself financially for 3+ years.
For more details, see Aged under 25 and Self Supporting.
Key Deadlines
- First Payment on Time: Apply at least 4 weeks before course starts.
- Backdated Payments: Apply within 6 weeks of course start.
- Final Deadline: 31 March 2026.
Application Requirements
Information Required
- Personal details
- Residency
- Education
- Student’s income
- Parent(s)’ income
- Bank details
- Travel details
Documents Required (not exhaustive)
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate)
- e-Visa (for non-UK nationals)
- Student’s income (e.g., payslip, SA302, Universal Credit statement)
- Parent(s)’ income (e.g., P60, SA302, Universal Credit statement)
- Proof of living arrangements (e.g., tenancy agreement, Council Tax notice, official letter addressed to you).
How to Apply
Apply online as soon as you can! We’ll email you an application link after you accept your course. Wait for this email before activating your funding account – doing so too early can cause issues. It takes about 4–6 weeks to process. If you don’t receive the email, contact us at studentfunding@glasgowkelvin.ac.uk. See How to Apply for more details.
Key Information
- You need to meet Home/Scottish residency rules.
- Previous study may affect eligibility unless progressing to a higher level (e.g., SCQF Level 2 to 3).
- Maintain satisfactory attendance/engagement for payments.
- If parent(s)’ income drops by at least 15% in 2025/26, request a current income assessment.
Questions?
Contact finance@glasgowkelvin.ac.uk.