Access to Learning Fund

This is a government fund administered by the university to help students who need extra financial support because they have higher than expected costs. You apply to the fund when you are already at the university, not before you start studying.

Who can apply

The fund is only available to UK and EU students. 

For help living costs only

You can apply if you are a :

• full-time UK undergraduate, NHS or PGCE student who is getting financial support from Student Loans Company, Training and Development Agency (TDA), NHS or Strategic Health Authority
• part-time student who started your courses before 1 September 2012 – must be studying at least 50% (or 25% for disabled students) of a full-time equivalent course
• part-time student who started a course on or after 1 September 2012 –  must be studying at least 25% of a full time equivalent course to be eligible.
• full or part-time postgraduate students who can demonstrate you have made realistic provision for you tuition fees and living costs
• intermitting student not attending your course for health reasons, or because of caring responsibilities, and have not permanently withdrawn from your studies.

For help with tuition fees only

To apply for help with your tuition fees you must be a:

• part-time undergraduate UK or EU student studying at least 50% of an equivalent full- time course (25% for students with disabilities) who started a course of study before 1 September 2012. 
• UK and EU students studying a 'taster' module of at least 10% or 12 credits of a full-time course started the course before 1 September 2012.

There is no other assistance available from this fund to help with course fees.

When to apply

New and continuing undergraduate students can apply to the fund between 1 October 2012 and 7 June 2013, but applications will only be considered once you have received your autumn 2012 funding.

Final year undergraduate and PGCE students can apply until 10 May 2013. 

Student nurses, postgraduate students and BSMS year 3 and 4 students can apply until 28 June 2013. 

Only one application can be made each academic year unless you experience a significant change in personal or financial circumstances. 

Application pack

• Download an application pack which includes form and guidance notes (824k pdf).
• Braille or audio versions are also available (allow 2 weeks from request).
• You can also email accessfund@brighton.ac.uk or drop in to a Student Advice Service office.

Find out more

Application advice is also available from the Student Advice Service at Tithe Barn, Moulsecoomb Place and from Student Advice Service at the Grand Parade, Falmer and Eastbourne sites.

Email accessfund@brighton.ac.uk.