In this guide
3. Part-time undergraduates
Eligible first-time undergraduate students who study part-time are able to apply for financial support each year to help with living costs and tuition fees. Students must be studying at a course intensity of at least 25% to be eligible for support.
Living costs
A maintenance grant and loan are available for living costs. The support is paid directly into the student’s bank account, usually in 3 instalments, once they have registered on their course and attendance has been confirmed by the university or college each term.
Students must be under 60 years old on the first day of the first academic year of their course to access an undergraduate maintenance loan. There are no age restrictions for a maintenance grant for living costs.
The amount of maintenance grant and loan will depend on intensity of study of their and household income.
Tuition fees
Eligible part-time students studying at a course intensity of at least 25% can apply for a loan to cover their tuition fees. Tuition Fee Loans are paid in 3 instalments directly to the university or college once the student’s attendance is confirmed.
Most part-time students won’t have to pay anything upfront for their course. If a university or college is charging more than the Tuition Fee Loan available, the student will have to fund the difference (this may be the case for a privately funded university or college).
Students studying with the Open University in Wales must apply for a part-time Tuition Fee Loan.
A Tuition Fee Loan is not based on household income and there is no age restriction.
Extra support
Alongside support for living costs and tuition fees, part-time students studying at an intensity of 25% or more may be able to get extra financial help depending on their personal situation:
- Childcare Grant: students could receive a grant as a contribution towards the cost of their childcare if they have children in registered or approved childcare. The amount students could receive will also depend on the intensity of their course and their household income, up to the available maximum part-time amounts. Students won’t qualify if either the student or their partner already receives the childcare element of Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit, NHS Childcare Allowance, or Tax-Free Childcare from HMRC.
- Parents’ Learning Allowance: students could receive help with course-related costs if they have a dependent child or children. The maximum amount available will depend on the student’s household income and their course intensity.
- Adult Dependants’ Grant: students may be eligible for a grant if they have a partner or another adult who is financially dependent on them. The maximum amount available will depend on the student’s household income and their course intensity.
- Disabled Students’ Grant is available for students who have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or learning disability.
How much funding will I get
The latest funding amounts for eligible students are published in the ‘Rates of undergraduate student support’, available via the Student Finance Wales Information Notices webpage. The tables provide illustrative examples only and the amount received will be confirmed by Student Finance Wales
How do I apply
Applications for funding should be made through Student Finance Wales. Follow Student Finance Wales on X (Twitter) and Facebook for the latest updates.
Bursaries and scholarships
Some universities and colleges may offer their own bursaries, scholarships and hardship funds. Student Support Services can inform students of what additional financial help may be available from their university or college.
Part-time students on a course which leads to a qualification in medicine, dentistry or healthcare might be able to get a bursary from the NHS. Visit the Student Award Services website to find out further information. Part-time students are not eligible for student support if getting a NHS bursary.