What financial help can you get?
Tuition fees
For students who live in Northern Ireland and choose to study at a Northern Irish course provider, the maximum tuition fee is capped, and you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover this cost. Likewise, if you choose to study elsewhere in the UK, you may apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, but the costs will be higher. This loan is repayable.
Maintenance
A repayable Maintenance Loan is available to full-time students to cover accommodation and living costs, and is paid directly into your bank account. The loan is means tested and will vary on where you live/study and the length of your course.
The Maintenance Grant and Special Support Grant are means tested and help you pay for additional course-related costs such as books, travel, equipment, and childcare. You can apply for either grant but not both, so check which is best for you. Neither grant is repayable.
Apply to Student Finance Northern Ireland
Travel Grant
Travel Grant – to help cover reasonable costs for travel for study-related periods abroad or medical and dental placement courses. It's only available to students on eligible courses. When you give your course information as part of your student finance application, Student Finance Northern Ireland will let you know if you can get a Travel Grant.
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
DSA helps cover some of the extra study-related costs you may incur due to an impairment, mental health condition or learning difference. It's non-repayable and in addition to other student finance.
The amount you get depends on your individual needs not your income, nor that of your parents or partner. There are some restrictions on what you may use DSA for and regional differences, so check the details carefully.