Financial Support

Access to learning fund (ALF)

If you find yourself struggling financially talk to us. You may be entitled to help from the Access to Learning Fund (ALF), which can help both undergraduate and postgraduate students with living and course-related costs such as travel, accommodation, books and childcare. Most awards don't have to be paid back. Occasionally we may instead offer a short term interest free loan.

Once you have applied for the ALF, the university will look at your needs and decide how much you are entitled to. The money can be paid in a lump sum or in instalments and will be on top of your other student finance. You must have already taken out the full student loan available to you.

The Access to Learning Fund is open to applications from current enrolled students in each academic year from the start of the Autumn term until the 1^st June, or until funds are exhausted if this is earlier. Students will be sent information regarding both the opening and closing of applications via their university email account.

Disabled students

If you have a disability, including dyslexia, you may be eligible for support through the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA). The allowances aren't based on your household income and don't have to be paid back. They can help to pay for the extra costs of studying that you may face, such as specialist equipment and software, travel, non-medical one to one support, and other course-related costs.

We recommend that you apply for DSA before you join us, so you'll receive the right support from the beginning of your university life.

Earn and learn

Most students like to find paid work while they're studying - not just for some welcome extra cash but to meet new friends and learn something new. As long as you are careful not to work too many hours or to let your studies suffer, it's a great way to boost your bank balance while learning useful skills like managing money, customer service, listening and talking, working independently, being part of a team, and sticking to deadlines.

Part-time jobs in the local area are advertised on our weekly jobs bulletin or on our local newspaper's website.

You could also work for the university, in the bar, in catering or on the farm. One of the most popular jobs is as a student ambassador, representing the university at open days, shows and events, chatting to prospective students and their families about what it's like to be a student at Harper Adams.