Support for students in Northern Ireland

Financial Well-being

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Study-Related Costs Funding

If you're on a low income or receive certain benefits, you might qualify for support to cover essential study-related expenses.

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Student Assistance Fund

For unexpected financial hardship, this fund helps cover costs that may otherwise hinder your studies.

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Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA)

If your disability, long-term health condition, mental health challenge, or specific learning difficulty creates extra study costs, you can apply for DSA, a non-repayable grant covering resources like specialist equipment, extra support, or a personal tutor.

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Carers' Bursary

If you provide unpaid care to a friend or family member, you could be eligible for £250 to help with your study-related costs.

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Care Experienced Bursary

If you've previously been in, or are currently in care, you could be awarded with £250 to help with study-related costs.

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Acquiring a computer for study - Help with the cost

If you'll be studying on a low income or face unexpected financial difficulties, you may be eligible to apply for help with study related costs, including computer costs.

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Rate Relief

If you're studying part-time or fit specific criteria, you may be eligible for local Rate Relief in Northern Ireland.

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Cost of Living Payments

A cost of living package has been put in place by the NI Executive for 2022 that includes one-off payments to those on income related benefits, disabled claimants and pensioners.

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Citizen's Advice

If you're managing your finances on a reduced income, seek advice from your local Citizens Advice.

Budgeting & Savings Resources

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We list tools like MoneySavingExpert - The Budget Planner, Money Helper - Budget Planner, and Energy saving trust - Quick tips to save energy to help manage your finances. Free debt advice is also available via StepChange and National Debtline.

Mental Health & Well-being

Local & Digital Support

Balance and well-being are vital. Your Student Support Team is here to help, along with Peer support via the OU Student Association and our partnership with Shout, offering free, confidential 24/7 help.

We also offer a full range of additional mental health and wellbeing services, plus guidance on both managing your money and improving your mental health through Mind's Mental Health and Money Advice.

AWARE NI Partnership

Through our collaboration with depression charity AWARE NI, launched notably around University Mental Health Day, we provide tailored mental health resources, signposting, events, and content rooted in the 'Five Ways to Well-being' framework to ensure comprehensive local support.

Academic & Career Support

Job Search & Employability Tools

Facing changes in your personal or work life? Explore vacancy sources, developing your CV guidance, completing application forms advice, preparing for interviews tips, and to manage dealing with redundancy.

Feel like you need to take a study break

If you feel like you need to take a break from your studies due to financial pressures, please talk to your Student Support Team first. They'll be able to offer advice on the best options for you and your circumstances. For more information see Take a study break and Defer from modules.