DISCRETIONARY & CHILDCARE FUNDS
Looking for funds for 26-27?
If you are joining UWS in September 2026, or are a continuing student looking to apply for Discretionary and/or Childcare Funds, we're in a period of transition. Keep an eye on this webpage as we will update it as and when we can. Some funds will open earlier than others, and this is all dependent on when Scottish Government confirm allocations.
Enrolled in 25-26 and continuing your studies?
The funds for 25-26 are now closed. We're in a period of transition to 26-27. While the funds are closed, the Funding and Advice Team are still on hand to provide support and advice. You can contact us at fundingadvice@uws.ac.uk.
Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate
The following funding may be available to you if you are an Undergraduate or Taught Postgraduate student from Scotland or the Rest of the UK.
Full-time Students
We expect to open the Discretionary AND CHILDCARE Fund AROUND THE END OF jULY, however this is dependent on when the Scottish Government confirm allocations. In the meantime, you can read about the fund below.
The Discretionary Fund
The purpose of the Discretionary Fund is to provide additional financial support to eligible students who would otherwise struggle to meet their basic living costs. Funding is intended to better enable students to attend, engage and succeed in their studies by topping up the student support received through government. Support is in the form of a non-repayable bursary.
The Childcare Element
The purpose of the Childcare Element of the Fund is to provide eligible students with a contribution towards childcare costs, where students are unable to meet these costs independently. Support is in the form of a non-repayable bursary. The Childcare Element is an add-on to the Discretionary Fund and cannot be applied for separately.
Eligibility
Students must be Scottish or from the rest of the UK, eligible for student funding from SAAS, SFE, SFNI or SFW, and in receipt of the maximum student support available to them. They should demonstrate a need for financial support that is reasonable and within the scope of the funds.
Students studying the MSc in Social Work who receive funding through SSSC are not eligible to apply. Those students studying MSc Social Work who do not receive funding through the SSSC and are instead in receipt of the SAAS Postgraduate Funding package can apply for both Discretionary and Childcare Elements.
How to apply
Applications, guidance notes and procedures are available below. The application process is electronic, and the guidance notes will help you complete the application, and identify the supporting evidence required.
Applying for the Childcare Element?
If you also wish to apply for help meeting the costs of study related childcare, we simply include that in your application to the Discretionary Fund. This means you only need to complete one application, and we will assess you for both elements. Your childcare provider(s) will need to complete the Childcare Provider Form, and you should read our Childcare Fund Factsheet for Students for details of the childcare costs we can consider.
Application Forms
- Coming Soon Full-time Discretionary Fund Application 2026-27 (MS Word)
- UWS Childcare Provider Form 2026-27 (MS Word)
Important guidance and procedures to help you understand how the funds work:
- Guide on How to Complete the Full-time Discretionary Fund Application 2026-27 (pdf)
- Full-time Discretionary and Childcare Fund Procedures 2026-27 (pdf)
Childcare Fund Factsheets to help you understand what you can apply for:
Guidance documents to help you complete your application submission:
- How to download your online bank statement (pdf)
- Sample letter about dig money (pdf)
- Sample Universal Credit Award Notice (pdf)
- Identifying Key Transactions on Supporting Evidence (pdf)
- Converting and Merging Supporting Evidence (pdf)
Important info about the funds
You are applying for funds for the 26-27 academic year. Should an award be made, this will not be released until after the academic year begins and enrolment, attendance and engagement can be confirmed. Additionally, we will be unable to release any funds until the Scottish Government provide the budget.
These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis. While we do our best to avoid it, the fund can often close with little or no notice, when the budget has been exhausted, so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Assuming you continue to meet all eligibility criteria, you should reapply each academic year, as funding will not continue automatically.
It is unlikely that any award will cover your shortfall in full so we would encourage you to use money advice resources to help you budget effectively.
Part-time Students
We expect to open the Part-Time Discretionary Fund in advance of the 26-27 academic year starting in September, however this is dependent on when the Scottish Government confirm allocations. In the meantime, you can read about the fund below.
The purpose of the Part-Time Discretionary Fund is to provide additional financial support to eligible students to ensure that those students on low incomes are not significantly out of pocket because of their studies. Funding is limited to help to meet the costs of books/course materials, travel and childcare.
Eligibility
Students must be Scottish or from the rest of the UK, funding their studies through the SAAS Part-time Fee Grant, or have an annual income under £30k. We will contribute towards the cost of study related childcare if your household is in receipt of Universal Credit.
Awards will reflect a flat rate of £250 per 20 credit module as a contribution towards books/course materials and travel. We would encourage students to interpret books/course materials broadly, and this may include anything from stationary to IT equipment. While you will need to provide evidence to support your eligibility, you do not need to provide receipts etc. for books/course materials or travel costs to apply. You can use the award at your discretion, to best suit your individual needs.
How to apply
Applications, guidance notes and procedures are available below. The application process is electronic, and the guidance notes will help you complete the application, and identify the supporting evidence required.
Applying for the Childcare Element?
If you also wish to apply for help meeting the costs of study related childcare, we simply include that in your application to the Discretionary Fund. This means you only need to complete one application, and we will assess you for both elements. Your childcare provider(s) will need to complete the Childcare Provider Form, and you should read our Childcare Fund Factsheet for Students for details of the childcare costs we can consider.
Application Forms
- Coming Soon Part-time Students Discretionary Fund Application Form 2026-27 (MS Word)
- UWS Childcare Provider Form 2026-27 (MS Word)
Important guidance and procedures to help you understand how the funds work:
- Coming Soon Guide on How to Complete the Part Time Discretionary Funds Application 2026-27 (pdf)
- Coming Soon Discretionary and Childcare Fund Procedures for Part-time Students 2026-27 (pdf)
Childcare Fund Factsheets to help you understand what you can apply for:
Guidance documents to help you complete your application submission:
- How to download your online bank statement (pdf)
- Sample Universal Credit Award Notice (pdf)
- Converting and Merging Supporting Evidence (pdf)
Important info about the funds
You should apply once per academic year, reflecting all planned study, but we can revisit applications should your plans change.
We cannot award retrospectively, for modules that have finished, or for modules that you are resitting.
These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis. While we do our best to avoid it, the fund can often close with little or no notice, when the budget has been exhausted, so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Assuming you continue to meet all eligibility criteria, you should reapply each academic year, as funding will not continue automatically.
Paramedic, Nursing and Midwifery
The following funding may be available to you if you are a Paramedic or pre-registration Nursing/Midwifery student from Scotland or the Rest of the UK. This includes courses leading to registration with the NMC.
Paramedic, Nursing and Midwifery Student Discretionary Fund
We expect to open the PARAMEDIC, NURSING AND MIDWIFERY Discretionary Fund AROUND THE END OF jULY, however this is dependent on when the Scottish Government confirm allocations. In the meantime, you can read about the fund below.
Purpose
The purpose of the Discretionary Fund is to provide additional financial support to eligible students who would otherwise struggle to meet their basic living costs. Funding is intended to better enable students to attend, engage and succeed in their studies by topping up the student support received through government. Support is in the form of a non-repayable bursary.
The budget available is incredibly limited, and the value of any award will reflect this. If you have studied previously, and accessed Discretionary Funds during those studies, we would caution you to adjust your expectations to avoid disappointment.
Eligibility
Students must be Scottish or from the rest of the UK, undertaking a full-time Paramedic Sciences course, or Nursing or Midwifery course that leads to registration with the NMC. They must be eligible for student funding from SAAS, SFE, SFNI or SFW, and in receipt of the maximum student support available to them. They should demonstrate a need for financial support that is reasonable and within the scope of the funds.
How to apply
Applications, guidance notes and procedures are available below. The application process is electronic, and the guidance notes will help you complete the application, and identify the supporting evidence required.
Application Forms
- Coming Soon Paramedic, Nursing, Midwifery Discretionary Fund Application 2026-27 (MS Word)
Important guidance and procedures to help you understand how the funds work:
- Guide on How to Complete the Paramedic, Nursing, Midwifery Discretionary Fund Application (pdf)
- Paramedic, Nursing, Midwifery Discretionary Fund Procedures 2026-27 (pdf)
Guidance documents to help you complete your application submission:
- How to download your online bank statement (pdf)
- Sample letter about dig money (pdf)
- Sample Universal Credit Award Notice (pdf)
- Identifying Key Transactions on Supporting Evidence (pdf)
- Converting and Merging Supporting Evidence (pdf)
Important info about the funds
These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis. While we do our best to avoid it, the fund can often close with little or no notice, when the budget has been exhausted, so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Assuming you continue to meet all eligibility criteria, you should reapply each academic year, as funding will not continue automatically.
It is unlikely that any award will cover your shortfall in full so we would encourage you to use our money advice resources to help you budget effectively.
UWS Childcare Fund
Paramedics and pre-registration Nursing and Midwifery Students may be able to apply for help meeting the cost of study related childcare through the UWS Childcare Fund. This fund is unique to UWS, allowing us to offer additional financial support to help meet the costs of childcare, for students from lower income households.
Students are applying for a contribution towards study related childcare costs for an academic year, which will be determined based on costs for the full academic year, and any other financial support for childcare costs that the student should be entitled to, such as the SAAS Childcare Allowance of £2,466.
Where your application is successful the award will represent a contribution of up to 75% of eligible childcare costs, to a maximum award of £6,000 for a full academic year.
How to apply
Applications, guidance notes and procedures are available below. The application process is electronic, and the guidance notes will help you complete the application, and identify the supporting evidence required. Your childcare provider(s) will need to complete the Childcare Provider Form, and you should read our Childcare Fund Factsheet for Students for details of the childcare costs we can consider.
Application Forms
Important guidance and procedures to help you understand how the funds work:
- Guide on How to Complete the UWS Childcare Fund Application (pdf)
- UWS Childcare Fund Procedures 2026-27 (pdf)
Childcare Fund Factsheets to help you understand what you can apply for:
- UWS Childcare Fund Factsheet for Students (pdf)
- Childcare Fund Factsheet for Childcare Providers (pdf)
Guidance documents to help you complete your application submission:
- How to download your online bank statement (pdf)
- Sample Universal Credit Award Notice (pdf)
- Identifying Key Transactions on Supporting Evidence (pdf)
- Converting and Merging Supporting Evidence (pdf)
Important info about the funds
These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis. While we do our best to avoid it, the fund can often close with little or no notice, when the budget has been exhausted, so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Assuming you continue to meet all eligibility criteria, you should reapply each academic year, as funding will not continue automatically.
It’s important that you carefully consider the costs associated with using childcare, and do not rely on this fund as it is likely only to contribute towards your total childcare costs, as detailed in the documents above.
International
The following funding may be available to you if you are an international student, including EU students.
UWS Childcare Fund
International Students may be able to apply for help meeting the cost of study related childcare through the UWS Childcare Fund. This fund is unique to UWS, allowing us to offer additional financial support to help meet the costs of childcare, for students from lower income households.
Students are applying for a contribution towards study related childcare costs for an academic year, which will be determined based on costs for the full academic year.
Where your application is successful the award will represent a contribution of up to 75% of eligible childcare costs, to a maximum award of £6,000 for a full academic year.
How to apply
Applications, guidance notes and procedures are available below. The application process is electronic, and the guidance notes will help you complete the application, and identify the supporting evidence required. Your childcare provider(s) will need to complete the Childcare Provider Form, and you should read our Childcare Fund Factsheet for Students for details of the childcare costs we can consider.
Application Forms
Important guidance and procedures to help you understand how the funds work:
- Guide on How to Complete the UWS Childcare Fund Application (pdf)
- UWS Childcare Fund Procedures 2026-27 (pdf)
Childcare Fund Factsheets to help you understand what you can apply for:
- UWS Childcare Fund Factsheet for Students (pdf)
- Childcare Fund Factsheet for Childcare Providers (pdf)
Guidance documents to help you complete your application submission:
- How to download your online bank statement (pdf)
- Identifying Key Transactions on Supporting Evidence (pdf)
- Converting and Merging Supporting Evidence (pdf)
Important info about the funds
These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis. While we do our best to avoid it, the fund can often close with little or no notice, when the budget has been exhausted, so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Assuming you continue to meet all eligibility criteria, you should reapply each academic year, as funding will not continue automatically.
It’s important that you carefully consider the costs associated with using childcare, and do not rely on this fund as it is likely only to contribute towards your total childcare costs, as detailed in the documents above.
Doctoral level study
The following funding may be available to you if you are undertaking a research degree, such as PhD, DBA, etc.
UWS Childcare Fund
Doctoral Students may be able to apply for help meeting the cost of study related childcare through the UWS Childcare Fund. This fund is unique to UWS, allowing us to offer additional financial support to help meet the costs of childcare, for students from lower income households.
Students are applying for a contribution towards study related childcare costs for an academic year, which will be determined based on costs for the full academic year, and any other financial support for childcare costs that the student should be entitled to, such as government funded provision.
Where your application is successful the award will represent a contribution of up to 75% of eligible childcare costs, to a maximum award of £6,000 for a full academic year.
How to apply
Applications, guidance notes and procedures are available below. The application process is electronic, and the guidance notes will help you complete the application, and identify the supporting evidence required. Your childcare provider(s) will need to complete the Childcare Provider Form, and you should read our Childcare Fund Factsheet for Students for details of the childcare costs we can consider.
Application Forms
Important guidance and procedures to help you understand how the funds work:
- Guide on How to Complete the UWS Childcare Fund Application (pdf)
- UWS Childcare Fund Procedures 2026-27 (pdf)
Childcare Fund Factsheets to help you understand what you can apply for:
- UWS Childcare Fund Factsheet for Students (pdf)
- Childcare Fund Factsheet for Childcare Providers (pdf)
Guidance documents to help you complete your application submission:
- How to download your online bank statement (pdf)
- Sample Universal Credit Award Notice (pdf)
- Identifying Key Transactions on Supporting Evidence (pdf)
- Converting and Merging Supporting Evidence (pdf)
Important info about the funds
These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis. While we do our best to avoid it, the fund can often close with little or no notice, when the budget has been exhausted, so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Assuming you continue to meet all eligibility criteria, you should reapply each academic year, as funding will not continue automatically.
It’s important that you carefully consider the costs associated with using childcare, and do not rely on this fund as it is likely only to contribute a small amount towards your total childcare costs, as detailed in the documents above.
Asylum Seekers
The following funding may be available to you if you are an Asylum Seeker, who was an Asylum Seeker at the point of applying for your studies.
Asylum Seeker Discretionary Fund
We expect to open the ASYLUM SEEKER Discretionary Fund in advance of the 26-27 academic year starting in September, however this is dependent on when the Scottish Government confirm allocations. In the meantime, you can read about the fund below.
If you are currently an asylum seeker and had this status at the point of applying to the University, you may be eligible to apply for some financial support for your study related costs, through the Asylum Seeker Discretionary Fund.
This applies to Asylum Seekers studying part time or full time, at undergraduate or taught postgraduate level, and who are in receipt of Asylum Support from the Home Office.
The fund cannot contribute towards the cost of tuition or general living expenses but may help contribute towards the costs of study-related childcare, travel to campus, and course materials, such as IT equipment.
Where an award can be made, this will be determined based on individual circumstances and needs. Any award is in the form of a non-repayable bursary, so you do not need to pay this back. We are also very mindful of Home Office restrictions around financial support for Asylum Seekers, so any award will be in the form of vouchers and/or direct payment to childcare providers and will not include direct payments to students.
HOW TO APPLY
Application packs, guidance notes and procedures all follow. The application process is electronic, and the guidance notes will help you complete the application, and identify the supporting evidence required.
Applying for the Childcare Element?
If you also wish to apply for help meeting the costs of study related childcare, we simply include that in your application to the Discretionary Fund. This means you only need to complete one application, and we will assess you for both elements. Your childcare provider(s) will need to complete the Childcare Provider Form, and you should read our Childcare Fund Factsheet for Students for details of the childcare costs we can consider.
APPLICATION FORMS
- Coming Soon Asylum Seeker Discretionary Fund Application 2026-27 (Word)
- Childcare Provider Form 26-27 (Word)
Important guidance and procedures to help you understand how the funds work:
- Coming Soon Guide on How to Complete the Asylum Seeker Discretionary Fund Application 2026-27 (Pdf)
- Coming Soon Asylum Seeker Discretionary Fund Procedures 2026-27 (Pdf)
Childcare Fund Factsheets to help you understand what you can apply for:
Guidance documents to help you complete your application submission:
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT THE FUNDS
These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis. While we do our best to avoid it, the fund can often close with little or no notice, when the budget has been exhausted, so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Assuming you continue to meet all eligibility criteria, you should reapply each academic year, as funding will not continue automatically.
It is unlikely that any award will cover your study related costs in full so we would encourage you to use our money advice resources to help you budget effectively.
Last updated: 09/07/2026