Graduate students with dependants
Home students
The information in this section applies to Home students; generally speaking, if you are a UK national and have lived all your life in the UK, you will be classed as a Home student. Visit our Fees and Funding pages for more information.
Home graduates with dependants (non-PGCE students) are not able to apply for many of the grants available to undergraduates with dependants, and should ensure they have enough funding in place to pay for childcare and other associated costs.
Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit and other government support
Your eligibility for Child Benefit is not means tested, and it can be applied for through HM Revenue & Customs. Student parents should also check with HM Revenue & Customs to see if they are eligible to receive Child Tax Credit. You do not need to be working to receive this. The amount you can receive depends on your circumstances and income, and it is paid in addition to Child Benefit. If you are entitled to receive the maximum amount of Child Tax Credit, and are not receiving Working Tax Credit, you could also be entitled to receive free school meals for your child. If you are at least ten weeks pregnant, or have a child under four, you could also be entitled to receive vouchers for milk, fruit, vegetables, infant formula and vitamins under the Healthy Start scheme.
Graduate students may be eligible for the childcare portion of the Working Tax Credit if working more than 16 hours a week as they are not eligible to receive the Childcare Grant.
The Tax Credits and Child Benefit pages on the Directgov website have comprehensive information explaining what these benefits are and how you can apply, if you are eligible for help.
All 3 and 4 year old children in England are entitled to receive a free early learning place at an eligible nursery for 15 hours a week, 38 – 50 weeks of the year.
NHS Bursary holders
Students in receipt of a full NHS Bursary (graduate entry medicine students in years 2 - 4) with adult or child dependants could be eligible to apply for the following additional NHS grants, which are all means tested:
Dependants’ Allowance
This covers both adult and child dependants, but they must be neither in receipt of any additional student support nor be a partner with whom the student no longer lives.
Single Students with Dependants Allowance
Single students who began their course before 1 September 2007 could receive an additional sum of support in addition to the NHS Dependants’ Allowance.
Parent Learning Allowance
This is an additional grant for students who began their course on or after 1 September 2007 and who receive the NHS Dependants’ Allowance for a child.
Childcare Allowance
Full NHS Bursary holders can get up to 85% of their childcare costs (up to £126.65 per week for one child, or £187.85 for two or more children) paid for by the NHS, provided the child is under 15 (or 17 if the child is registered with special educational needs) and in approved childcare. If you (or your partner) are in receipt of the childcare support portion of the Working Tax Credit, you will not be eligible for the Childcare Allowance.
University support
Graduate Entry Medicine students are eligible to be assessed to receive the Oxford Bursary based on their household income.
Students whose circumstances have changed causing them unexpected hardship can apply to the University Hardship Fund. The maximum award varies according to circumstances but students who require additional help due to unexpected circumstances affecting their childcare arrangements may be eligible for an additional award.
The University has a number of subsidised nursery places and a subsidised play scheme that students with children may apply for. Please note that the waiting list for nursery places is always very long and you are advised to contact Childcare Services as soon as possible if you would like to apply. The Childcare Services for Students pages contain information about nursery places as well as other information for student parents.
Other benefits
Students who are single parents or student couples with a child may be able to apply for certain benefits such as Income Support or Housing Benefit.
If you would like to discuss your benefits entitlement further please contact the VP Welfare and Equal Opportunities on welfare@ousu.org at the Students’ Union or email the Oxford Citizens Advice Bureau to arrange an appointment at oxfordcab@cabnet.org.uk.
EU Students
If your main reason for being in the UK is for study purposes, you may not be eligible to receive benefits. Please visit the Directgov website to find out more information about the terms of each individual benefit.
If you are studying in the UK for longer than 6 months, you and your dependants (up until the age of 16, or 19 if they are in full time education) are eligible to receive free treatment from the NHS (you may still have to pay for your prescription medicines).
All 3 and 4 year olds in England, including those who are dependants of an EU student, are entitled to a free early learning place at an eligible nursery, which provides 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 – 50 weeks of the years. Child dependants of EU students can also receive free schooling in UK state schools.
EU students whose circumstances have changed causing them unexpected hardship can apply to the University Hardship Fund. The maximum award varies according to circumstances but students who require additional help due to unexpected circumstances affecting their childcare arrangements may be eligible for an additional award.
The University has a number of subsidised nursery places and a subsidised play scheme that students with children may apply for. Please note that the waiting list for nursery places is always very long and you are advised to contact Childcare Services as soon as possible if you would like to apply. The Childcare Services for Students pages contain information about nursery places as well as other information for student parents.
EEA Students and Swiss Migrant Workers
If your main reason for being in the UK is for study purposes, you may not be eligible to receive benefits. Please visit the Directgov website to find out more information about the terms of each individual benefit.
If your circumstances have changed and you experience unexpected hardship, you can apply to the University Hardship Fund. The maximum award varies according to circumstances but students who require additional help due to unexpected circumstances affecting their childcare arrangements may be eligible for an additional award.
All 3 and 4 year olds in England are entitled to a free early learning place at an eligible nursery, which provides 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 – 50 weeks of the years. Child dependants of EEA and Swiss Migrant Worker students can also receive free schooling in UK state schools.
The Childcare Services for Students pages contain information about nursery places as well as other information for student parents.
Overseas Students
The majority of Overseas students will have student status through UK immigration and will therefore not usually be able to claim benefits. The UK Immigration Rules for students state that you must be able to meet the costs of your course and accommodation and maintain yourself and any family members in the UK without having 'recourse to public funds' (if your visa states you do not have access to public funds then you should not apply for benefits as it may jeopardise your studies and also your right to remain in the UK).
However, if there is a temporary disruption to your funds from abroad, there is some limited provision available for up to 42 days but only for certain benefits. For further information and advice about your eligibility, we recommend that you visit the website for UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs), the UK’s national advisory body which assists international students.
If your circumstances have changed and you experience unexpected hardship, you can apply to the University Hardship Fund. The maximum award varies according to circumstances but students who require additional help due to unexpected circumstances affecting their childcare arrangements may be eligible for an additional award.
If you are studying in the UK for longer than 6 months, you and your dependants (up until the age of 16, or 19 if they are in full time education) are eligible to receive free treatment from the NHS (you may still have to pay for your prescription medicines). NHS services and legal assistance are not classed as public funds.
All 3 and 4 year olds in England, include those who are dependants of an Overseas student, are entitled to a free early learning place at an eligible nursery, which provides 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 – 50 weeks of the years. Child dependants of Overseas students can also receive free schooling in UK state schools.