DISCRETIONARY & CHILDCARE FUNDS

Looking for funds for 24-25? It's a bit too soon to apply. We are waiting on further information from Scottish Government, and will open applications as soon as possible. This will most likely be towards the end of August, but please do keep an eye on this webpage as we will update this as soon as we are ready to open applications.

In the meantime, and because we do not expect a significant change to the funds, you can review the information below (relating to 23-24 funds) to get an idea of how the application works, and the information you will need to make your application.

Looking for funds for 23-24? As the academic year has come to an end, the funds are now closed. This does not mean that our Funding and Advice Team are not here to offer you support and guidance if you are experiencing financial challenges. Please contact our team via fundingadvice@uws.ac.uk and we will endeavour to offer you the most appropriate support available in your circumstances.

Undergraduate

The following funding may be available to you if you are an Undergraduate student from Scotland or the Rest of the UK. As PGDE students are funded through the undergraduate funding system, you should also use this section to find out more about discretionary and childcare funds.

If you are a Paramedic, Nursing or Midwifery, International or EU student, please scroll to the specific sections below to find out more about discretionary and childcare funds that may be available to you.

The Full Time Undergraduate Discretionary and Childcare Funds are now closed for studies in 23-24.

We expect the funds to reopen for 24-25 in late August/early September and will update this webpage as soon as we have more details, so please do keep checking.

While the 24-25 funds are not yet open, we do not expect significant changes so have provided some details below (about the 23-24 funds) that we hope will help you better understand what to expect when the 24-25 funds do open.

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Discretionary Funds, including the Childcare Element, may be available to UK students who are in receipt of the maximum student support available to them (from SAAS etc.) and can demonstrate a need for financial support whilst adhering to our various rates for appropriate expenditure. The only exception are students studying Paramedic Sciences and pre-registration Nursing and Midwifery courses, who are not eligible and should consult the section below.

The purpose of the Discretionary Fund is to provide additional financial support to eligible students who can demonstrate a need for this during the current academic session. Support is in the form of a non-repayable bursary and is designed to top up the student support received through Government. Discretionary Funds are intended to help meet basic living costs and assist a student in being able to engage and succeed in their studies. The Childcare Element of these funds can be awarded in addition to the Discretionary Fund and can help meet the cost of study related childcare.

To be eligible, students must be in receipt of the maximum student support available to them and can demonstrate a need for financial support whilst adhering to our various rates for appropriate expenditure.

Although funding comes from the Scottish Government, you do not need to be Scottish to be eligible but should be in receipt of student support from Student Finance England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

You may apply if you struggle to make ends meet each month, or if you experience an unexpected cost that you have not budgeted for. These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The fund will close often with little or no notice, when the budget has been exhausted.

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.

HOW TO APPLY:

Application packs, guidance notes and procedures will all be available when the 24-25 fund opens and you can download these from here. In the meantime, you'll find some of the 23-24 guidance below to help you plan ahead and understand what to do when the 24-25 fund is open.

APPLYING FOR THE CHILDCARE ELEMENT?

You should read the Childcare Factsheets below, which detail what can be applied for and how to apply.

Procedures & Guidance

The following documents will help you complete your application:

The Part Time Discretionary and Childcare Funds are now closed for studies in 23-24.

We expect the funds to reopen for 24-25 in late August/early September and will update this webpage as soon as we have more details, so please do keep checking.

While the 24-25 funds are not yet open, we do not expect significant changes so have provided some details below (about the 23-24 funds) that we hope will help you better understand what to expect when the 24-25 funds do open.

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Discretionary and Childcare Funds are available to UK students funding their studies through the SAAS Part-time Fee Grant, or having an annual income under £25k. Funding is limited to help meet the costs of books/course materials, travel and childcare, and is designed to ensure that those students on low incomes are not significantly out of pocket as a result of their studies.

We will provide a flat rate award of £150 per 20 credit module, towards books/course materials and travel. You do not have to submit any evidence, such as receipts, in order to claim this. You can also use the award at your discretion, to best suit your individual needs. We would encourage students to interpret books/course materials broadly, and this may include anything from stationary to IT equipment.

We will contribute towards the cost of study related childcare if your household is in receipt of Tax Credits, or Universal Credits.

These funds are limited and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. We cannot award retrospectively, for modules that have finished, or for modules that you are resitting.

HOW TO APPLY:

Application packs, guidance notes and procedures will all be available when the 24-25 fund opens and you can download these from here. In the meantime, you'll find some of the 23-24 guidance below to help you plan ahead and understand what to do when the 24-25 fund is open.

APPLYING FOR CHILDCARE?

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 will need to complete a form (which will be available when the fund for 24-25 opens) and you should read our Student Childcare Fund Factsheet for details of the childcare costs we can consider.

Procedures & Guidance

Postgraduate

The following funding may be available to you if you are a Postgraduate student from Scotland or the Rest of the UK. As PGDE students are funded through the undergraduate funding system, you should also use the section above to find out more about discretionary and childcare funds.

If you are a Paramedic, Nursing or Midwifery, International or EU student, please scroll to the specific sections below to find out more about discretionary and childcare funds that may be available to you.

If you are undertaking postgraduate research study, such as PhD level study, please scroll to the specific section below to find out more about discretionary and childcare funds that may be available to you.

The Part Time Discretionary and Childcare Funds are now closed for studies in 23-24.

We expect the funds to reopen for 24-25 in late August/early September and will update this webpage as soon as we have more details, so please do keep checking.

While the 24-25 funds are not yet open, we do not expect significant changes so have provided some details below (about the 23-24 funds) that we hope will help you better understand what to expect when the 24-25 funds do open.

-----

Discretionary and Childcare Funds are available to UK students funding their studies through the SAAS Part-time Fee Grant, or having an annual income under £25k. Funding is limited to help meet the costs of books/course materials, travel and childcare, and is designed to ensure that those students on low incomes are not significantly out of pocket as a result of their studies.

We will provide a flat rate award of £150 per 20 credit module, towards books/course materials and travel. You do not have to submit any evidence, such as receipts, in order to claim this. You can also use the award at your discretion, to best suit your individual needs. We would encourage students to interpret books/course materials broadly, and this may include anything from stationary to IT equipment.

We will contribute towards the cost of study related childcare if your household is in receipt of Tax Credits, or Universal Credits.

These funds are limited and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. We cannot award retrospectively, for modules that have finished, or for modules that you are resitting.

HOW TO APPLY:

Application packs, guidance notes and procedures will all be available when the 24-25 fund opens and you can download these from here. In the meantime, you'll find some of the 23-24 guidance below to help you plan ahead and understand what to do when the 24-25 fund is open.

APPLYING FOR CHILDCARE?

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 will need to complete a form (which will be available when the fund for 24-25 opens) and you should read our Student Childcare Fund Factsheet for details of the childcare costs we can consider.

Procedures & Guidance

The Full Time Postgraduate Discretionary and Childcare Funds are now closed for studies in 23-24.

We expect the funds to reopen for 24-25 in late August/early September and will update this webpage as soon as we have more details, so please do keep checking.

While the 24-25 funds are not yet open, we do not expect significant changes so have provided some details below (about the 23-24 funds) that we hope will help you better understand what to expect when the 24-25 funds do open.

-----

Discretionary Funds, including the Childcare Element, may be available to UK students who are in receipt of the maximum student support available to them and can demonstrate a need for financial support whilst adhering to our various rates for appropriate expenditure.

The purpose of the Discretionary Fund is to provide additional financial support to eligible students who can demonstrate a need for this during the current academic session. Support is in the form of a non-repayable bursary and is designed to top up the student support received through Government. Discretionary Funds are intended to help meet basic living costs and assist a student in being able to engage and succeed in their studies. The Childcare Element of these funds can be awarded in addition to the Discretionary Fund and can help meet the cost of study related childcare.

To be eligible, students must be in receipt of the maximum student support available to them and can demonstrate a need for financial support whilst adhering to our various rates for appropriate expenditure.

Although funding comes from the Scottish Government, you do not need to be Scottish to be eligible but should be in receipt of student support from Student Finance England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

You may apply if you struggle to make ends meet each month, or if you experience an unexpected cost that you have not budgeted for. These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The fund will close often with little or no notice, when the budget has been exhausted.

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.

HOW TO APPLY:

Application packs, guidance notes and procedures will all be available when the 24-25 fund opens and you can download these from here. In the meantime, you'll find some of the 23-24 guidance below to help you plan ahead and understand what to do when the 24-25 fund is open.

APPLYING FOR THE CHILDCARE ELEMENT?

You should read the Childcare Factsheets below, which detail what can be applied for and how to apply.

 Procedures & Guidance

 The following documents will help you complete your application:

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 at both BSc and MSc levels.

If you are a Paramedic or pre-registration Nursing/Midwifery student, but are also an International student, please use the International section below to find out more about the funds that may be available to you.

The Paramedic, Nursing and Midwifery Student Discretionary Fund is now closed for studies in 23-24.

We expect the fund to reopen for 24-25 in late August/early September and will update this webpage as soon as we have more details, so please do keep checking.

While the 24-25 funds are not yet open, we do not expect significant changes so have provided some details below (about the 23-24 funds) that we hope will help you better understand what to expect when the 24-25 funds do open.

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Discretionary Funds may be available to UK students who are undertaking a full-time Paramedic Sciences course, or Nursing or Midwifery course that leads to registration with the NMC. This includes Nursing and Midwifery students studying at both BSc and MSc levels.

The purpose of the Discretionary Fund is to provide additional financial support to eligible students who can demonstrate a need for this during the current academic session. Support is in the form of a non-repayable bursary and is designed to top up the student support received through Government. Discretionary Funds are intended to help meet basic living costs and assist a student in being able to engage and succeed in their studies.

To be eligible, students must be in receipt of the maximum student support available to them and can demonstrate a need for financial support whilst adhering to our various rates for appropriate expenditure.

Although funding comes from the Scottish Government, you do not need to be Scottish to be eligible but should be in receipt of full student support from Student Finance England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

You may apply if you struggle to make ends meet each month, or if you experience an unexpected cost that you have not budgeted for. These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The fund will close often with little or no notice, when the budget has been exhausted.

Assuming you continue to meet all eligibility criteria, you could reapply each academic year - 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 and get the most out of your money.

HOW TO APPLY:

Application packs, guidance notes and procedures will all be available when the 24-25 fund opens and you can download these from here. In the meantime, you'll find some of the 23-24 guidance below to help you plan ahead and understand what to do when the 24-25 fund is open.

Procedures & Guidance

The following documents will help you complete your application:

The UWS Childcare Fund is now closed for studies in 23-24.

We expect the fund to reopen for 24-25 in late August/early September and will update this webpage as soon as we have more details, so please do keep checking.

While the 24-25 funds are not yet open, we do not expect significant changes so have provided some details below (about the 23-24 funds) that we hope will help you better understand what to expect when the 24-25 funds do open.

-----

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. Full eligibility details can be found in the documents below.

This fund is unique to UWS, allowing us to offer additional financial support to help you meet the costs of childcare that may not be available in all universities.

You are applying for a contribution towards your study related childcare costs for an academic year, which will be determined based on your costs for the full academic year, and any other financial support for childcare costs that you should be entitled to, such as the SAAS Childcare Allowance of £2,466.

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 below.

As this fund provides a contribution towards your childcare costs, you should be able to apply using your best estimate of your childcare costs for the entire academic year. You can find out more in the Factsheet below and will also find a Childcare Fund Factsheet that you should share with your childcare provider to help them understand how the fund works.

These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The fund can close with little notice due to budget constraints and we would not want you to be disappointed.

HOW TO APPLY:

Application packs, guidance notes and procedures will all be available when the 24-25 fund opens and you can download these from here. In the meantime, you'll find some of the 23-24 guidance below to help you plan ahead and understand what to do when the 24-25 fund is open.

When available, students complete the main application and should ask childcare providers to complete the Childcare Form. Both elements should then be submitted by the student, along with the required supporting evidence.

Procedures & Guidance

International

The following funding may be available to you if you are an international student, including EU students.

The UWS Childcare Fund is now closed for studies in 23-24.

We expect the fund to reopen for 24-25 in late August/early September and will update this webpage as soon as we have more details, so please do keep checking.

While the 24-25 funds are not yet open, we do not expect significant changes so have provided some details below (about the 23-24 funds) that we hope will help you better understand what to expect when the 24-25 funds do open.

-----

International Students may be able to apply for help meeting the cost of study related childcare through the UWS Childcare Fund. Full eligibility details can be found in the documents below.

This fund is unique to UWS, allowing us to offer additional financial support to help you meet the costs of childcare that may not be available in all universities.

You are applying for a contribution towards your study related childcare costs for an academic year, which will be determined based on your costs for the full academic year.

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 below.

As this fund provides a contribution towards your childcare costs, you should be able to apply using your best estimate of your childcare costs for the entire academic year. You can find out more in the Factsheet below and will also find a Childcare Fund Factsheet that you should share with your childcare provider to help them understand how the fund works.

These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The fund can close with little notice due to budget constraints and we would not want you to be disappointed.

HOW TO APPLY:

Application packs, guidance notes and procedures will all be available when the 24-25 fund opens and you can download these from here. In the meantime, you'll find some of the 23-24 guidance below to help you plan ahead and understand what to do when the 24-25 fund is open.

When available, students complete the main application and should ask childcare providers to complete the Childcare Form. Both elements should then be submitted by the student, along with the required supporting evidence.

Procedures & Guidance

Doctoral level study

The following funding may be available to you if you are undertaking a research degree, such as PhD, DBA, etc.

The UWS Childcare Fund is now closed for studies in 23-24.

We expect the fund to reopen for 24-25 in late August/early September and will update this webpage as soon as we have more details, so please do keep checking.

While the 24-25 funds are not yet open, we do not expect significant changes so have provided some details below (about the 23-24 funds) that we hope will help you better understand what to expect when the 24-25 funds do open.

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Doctoral Students may be able to apply for help meeting the cost of study related childcare through the UWS Childcare Fund. Full eligibility details can be found in the documents below.

This fund is unique to UWS, allowing us to offer additional financial support to help you meet the costs of childcare that may not be available in all universities.

You are applying for a contribution towards your study related childcare costs for an academic year, which will be determined based on your costs for the full academic year.

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 below.

As this fund provides a contribution towards your childcare costs, you should be able to apply using your best estimate of your childcare costs for the entire academic year. You can find out more in the Factsheet below and will also find a Childcare Fund Factsheet that you should share with your childcare provider to help them understand how the fund works.

These funds are limited, and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The fund can close with little notice due to budget constraints and we would not want you to be disappointed.

HOW TO APPLY:

Application packs, guidance notes and procedures will all be available when the 24-25 fund opens and you can download these from here. In the meantime, you'll find some of the 23-24 guidance below to help you plan ahead and understand what to do when the 24-25 fund is open.

When available, students complete the main application and should ask childcare providers to complete the Childcare Form. Both elements should then be submitted by the student, along with the required supporting evidence.

Procedures & Guidance

Last updated: 11/07/2024