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Carers’ Bursary

We’re offering a bursary to OU students who provide care to others.

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

How it works

Our Carers’ Bursary offers a £250 award to registered students providing unpaid care to a friend or family member who, due to an illness, disability, mental health condition, or addiction, cannot cope without their care.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify, you’ll need to meet all the following criteria:

  • ordinarily resident in the UK and eligible for a UK module fee
  • able to demonstrate proof of caring responsibilities
  • have a gross personal income of no more than £25,000 per year or receive a qualifying benefit
  • actively studying a minimum of 30 credits of Open University undergraduate or postgraduate study during the relevant academic year for which you are applying for a bursary.

Applying for the Carers’ Bursary

If you meet the eligibility criteria and would like to apply, you can complete the online webform on StudentHome. Forms are assessed once received, and applicants receive an email with the outcome within 10 working days.

Students who submit an eligible application will receive a £250 payment by bank transfer.

Study-Related Costs Funding

We also offer additional support to OU students on a low income or those receiving a qualifying benefit through our Study-Related Costs Funding.

This non-repayable fund could help with the cost of additional set books, internet access, childcare and more.

Find out more about our support for study costs