Government Access to Learning Fund (ALF)

Access to Learning Fund (ALF) awards are for students who need help towards their course or living costs e.g. essential books, photocopying, childcare (although for this, the fund is normally reserved for single parents), the cost of an essential field trip or help with travel to and from the University.

These awards are available to help postgraduate students who have experienced an unforeseen change in circumstances whilst on the course. This could be a change in financial circumstances such as redundancy, or a change in personal circumstances such as illness. Applicants will also have to demonstrate that they had made realistic provision to cover all course costs and that their change in circumstances means that they may struggle to remain on the course.

Part-time postgraduates can apply for help with course costs only. Full-time postgraduates can apply for help with living costs only. The percentage of any award made will be scaled based on income from the previous tax year, please see the table below for the standard income bandings:

Please note that caps are in place and you may not receive everything you apply for. Awards are intended to help towards your costs and will not necessarily cover them in full.

Priority funding groups (single parents, mature students with existing debts, disabled students, care leavers, homeless or foyer students, students from low income families) will be given priority consideration for ALF funding.

Find out:

• if you are eligible
• if you meet the residence requirements
• how and when to apply