Access to Learning Fund – What is It and How to Apply
The Access to Learning Fund is an extra help for students who find themselves in financial difficulties. This type of financial help is provided by all colleges and universities in England for both full- and part-time students regardless if they going to an undergraduate or postgraduate course.
In order to receive financial support through the Access to Learning Fund, you must meet certain conditions. Part-time students can qualify for this financial help only if their course lasts at least one year and if the course can be completed in a period which does not last twice as long as a normal full-time course. The latter criterion, however, does not apply to students with a certain disability or learning difficulty who may qualify for the Access to Learning Fund even if they need more than twice as long to complete the course.
The college or university reviews specific situation of each applicant individually. Whether they will approve the financial help or not depends on several factors, while the criteria for approval/rejection may vary from one educational institution to another. Despite that the Access to Learning Fund is typically approved to students who:
- have found themselves in financial hardship due to unexpected costs which prevent them from continuing studying or living normally
- cannot cover the costs for studying and living and do not receive any financial support for these costs
- can no longer afford to continue with the course due to financial problems
The application for the Access to Learning Fund is more likely to be approved to students who:
- have children, especially if they are single parents
- have a disability
- have pre-existing financial obligations
- come from low-income families
- are in the final year
The type and amount of money awarded through the Access to Learning Fund once approved varies greatly from one educational institution to another but it also depends on their evaluation of the student’s situation. But before they approve the financial support through the Access to Learning Fund, they typically ask the students to apply for other forms of financial help to which they may be entitled such as student loans and bursaries for instance.
The money received through the Access to Learning Fund can be paid out in one sum or through instalments. It is typically a form of a grant which means that it does not have to be paid back but the college or university may also decide to pay it out as a loan.
All the necessary information on how to apply for the Access to Learning Fund are provided by the student services department at each college and university. Keep in mind, however, that the Access to Learning Fund is available only in England. For similar financial help in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, check with your educational institution.