Help with Childcare Costs when in Full-Time Study


Lettered dice arranged on a table to spell the word STUDY

Are you in full time education or thinking of returning to full time education and have dependent children up to age 15 years? (or up to 17 years old with special educational needs/disabilities). Are you aware of the types of financial help that you may be eligible for? E.g. help with childcare costs.

Help with childcare costs

If you are in full-time study or intending to return to full-time study and will need help to pay childcare costs for your children, visit Student Finance in Northern Ireland to see what help you may be entitled to.

If you are entitled to help with your childcare costs through Student Finance NI, remember that you must be using Registered or Approved childcare provision.  To find Registered and Approved childcare providers in Northern Ireland, view the public childcare directory at Family Support NI.  

Who are Student Finance in Northern Ireland?

Student Finance NI is a partnership between the EA (Education Authority), the Department for the Economy and the Student Loans Company.  The have responsibility for processing financial support applications for full-time and part-time higher education and postgraduate courses.  

Types of financial help

Student Finance NI provide information on various grants, allowances and loans that may be available to you.  You will find information on the types financial help available, eligibility and the application process.

Student Finance NI provides important information on:

  • available help with tuition fees costs
  • help with the costs of living while in full time studies
  • extra help available (additional funding to help students in various circumstances, such as students with a disability or long-term health condition, or to help towards childcare costs)

Grants for Further Education Courses

A limited number of Further Education Grants are made available through the Education Authority each year.  These grants are for students undertaking full and part-time courses up to, and including Level 3.  

Education Authority - More information on Further Education Grants

Need to contact your local office?

View contact details -  find your local Student Finance office here


Other Useful Links:


NI Direct - Financial Help for Parents in Education

NI Direct - Student Finance

NI Direct - Types of Student Finance Available 

NI Direct - Universities and Colleges in Northern Ireland



Related Documents

Student Finance NI 2019/20 Timeline

Student Finance NI Childcare/Dependants Grants 2019/20

Student Finance NI Student Loans 2019/20 Terms & Conditions Guide

Education Authority Further Education Awards Booklet 2019/20


Last Updated: 24/11/2020