Funding Your Studies

You can usually apply for Student Finance England if you:

• Are studying an eligible higher education course at UCEN Manchester.
• Normally live in England before your course starts.
• Meet the UK residency requirements (or have an eligible immigration status).
• Are a UK or Irish citizen, or have settled or pre-settled status (subject to eligibility rules).
• Are studying your first higher education qualification (although there are some exceptions).
• Are studying at the required intensity for your course (full-time or eligible part-time).

You may also be eligible if you:

• Have refugee status or humanitarian protection.
• Have indefinite leave to remain or another eligible immigration status.
• Are an EU, EEA or Swiss national with rights under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement (subject to eligibility rules).

Not sure if you're eligible?

If you're unsure whether you qualify for Student Finance England, Future U can help you understand the funding available and direct you to the right guidance before you apply.

• Tuition Fee Loan: If you are eligible, Student Finance England will pay your tuition fees directly to UCEN Manchester. You will need to repay this.
• Maintenance Loan: Student Finance England will pay you directly to help with accommodation, food, travel and everyday living costs. This is usually 3 times per year: September, January and April. You will need to repay this.
• Additional Support: Disabled Students' Allowance, Childcare Grant, Parents' Learning Allowance and Adult Dependants' Grant are available depending on your circumstances. You will not need to repay this.

Thinking about applying

We'll help you understand tuition fees, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, grants, bursaries and living costs.

Preparing to start

We'll help you apply for Student Finance, understand your entitlement and prepare your student budget.

During your studies

If your circumstances change, we can advise on additional funding, financial hardship and budgeting support.

Do I have to pay my tuition fees upfront?

No. Most eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan through Student Finance England, which is paid directly to UCEN Manchester. You'll only begin repaying your loan once you're earning above the repayment threshold.

When should I apply for Student Finance?

Apply as soon as applications open, usually March each year. Applying early gives Student Finance England time to assess your application and helps ensure your funding is in place before your course starts.

What financial support could I be entitled to?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a Maintenance Loan, UCEN Manchester Bursary, Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), Childcare Grant, Parents' Learning Allowance or Adult Dependants' Grant. Future U can help you understand what's available.

I'm worried about money. Should I wait until I'm struggling?

No. We'd much rather speak to you early. The sooner you contact Future U, the more options we may be able to explore together before money worries begin to affect your studies.

What if my financial circumstances change during my course?

Let us know as soon as possible. Changes to your income, employment, housing or family circumstances may affect the financial support available to you.

Can Future U help me create a budget?

Yes. We can help you plan your income and spending, understand your student finance and signpost you to trusted budgeting tools such as the Save the Student Budget Calculator.

Can I work while I'm studying?

Absolutely. Many students choose to work part-time alongside their studies. Future U can help you prepare your CV, develop your interview skills and search for part-time opportunities through Future U 360.

Where can I find independent financial advice?

We can signpost you to trusted organisations including Student Finance England, MoneyHelper, Turn2Us, Citizens Advice and Save the Student for impartial information and guidance.

What if I don't know who to ask?

Start with Future U. If we aren't the right team to help, we'll make sure you're connected to the right service.