Funding for independent students
This page outlines how you can secure independent student status for your student finance. This information is for Home (UK) students.
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What is student finance independent student status?
Students are usually assessed for student finance based on the income of their parents. Even if you live with another relative who supports you financially, such as a grandparent, your national Student Finance service would still expect your parents to provide their financial information.
However, you can be considered independent and not provide parental financial information if you:
- are over 25 years old
- are married or in a civil partnership
- have children
- have supported yourself financially for 3 years before your course
- have been under the care of a local authority for at least three months since your 16th birthday
- are irreconcilably estranged from your parents
- don’t know the location of your parents, or if your parents are living in a country where it would be considered dangerous to contact them.
Need Advice?
Find out how to get in touch with the Student Money Team. We also have a dedicated team of Student Support Services advisers and practitioners who can help you at every stage of your studies.
I have supported myself financially for at least 36 months before the start of my course
You can be considered independent if you can show you’ve supported yourselves financially for at least 36 months before the start of your course. These 36 months don’t have to be consecutive; each application is assessed case-by-case. You must demonstrate you’ve earned enough to maintain your own home during that period.
I am irreconcilably estranged from my parents
To be considered estranged from your parents, Student Finance would usually expect you not to have had written or verbal contact with either parent for at least a year. However, if you’ve had contact with either parent in the last twelve months, they can still consider your application for estrangement if you can provide comprehensive evidence.
You cannot apply as ‘estranged’ just because:
- your parents don’t financially support you
- you don’t get on with your parents
- you don’t live with your parents.
What evidence do I need to provide?
The more evidence you can provide will give you the best possible chance of Student Finance England understanding your situation. A timeline of events should also be provided. Below are the most common examples of independent student status, and what supporting evidence you will need to provide to Student Finance England.
Over 25 years old
This is evidenced by the identification you provide when you apply for your finance.
Married or in a civil partnership
If you’re under 25, a photocopy of your marriage certificate, or civil partnership documentation.
A parent
A photocopy of your child’s/children’s birth certificate(s) and evidence that you have care of the child, for example: photocopied evidence that you are receiving Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit, or the child element of Universal Credit.
Irreconcilably estranged from parents
Complete the ‘Confirmation of Estrangement Form’. This form can be found on your online Student Finance account once you have submitted your funding application. If you cannot find someone to complete the form, you can contact our Student Support Services team. Find out more about applying as an estranged student on the Student Finance website.
Have supported yourself financially for three years before the start of your course
A photocopy of your P60s or benefit information evidencing that you have been earning enough to support yourself.
Under the care of a local authority for a period of at least three months since the age of 16
Supporting evidence such as a letter from a social worker.
Extra financial support for independent students
If you are a full-time undergraduate and a student parent, you may be able to receive a higher Maintenance Loan. This is known as 'Special Support'. In addition, you may be eligible for extra grants from Student Finance. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for Universal Credit. Find out more about the financial support you can receive as a student parent.
If you're a full-time undergraduate and estranged or a care leaver, you may be entitled to a £1,000 bursary.
If you're struggling financially, you may be entitled to extra financial support through our Support Funds.
Support with budgeting and money management
We can help with practical advice, hints and tips. We offer group workshops or one-to-one money advice/budgeting sessions. We can also make sure that you’re getting all the funding you’re entitled to. Find out more on our managing your money pages.
Further help and support
Securing independent student status can be difficult. NTU's Student Money Team can help. Find out how to get in touch
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Bursaries and scholarships
NTU offers a range of bursaries and scholarships. Check if you are eligible, how to apply, when they are paid and who to contact for further information.
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Support for care leavers and care experienced students
If you have spent time in foster care, residential care, or arrangements outside of family, we can provide practical advice, information and support.
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Support for students who are estranged from their families
At NTU, we appreciate that it can be a daunting time coming to the University without the support of a family network. If you are an estranged student, we can offer you targeted support to help you succeed during your time at University.