COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE
£5,000 for UK undergraduate students - which doesn't need to be paid back
Extra support, so you can focus on your studies
At University College Birmingham, we don't want the cost of living to be a barrier to you reaching your potential. As well as our Kick-Start scheme - up to £800 to support your studies - we also give our UK undergraduates a £5,000 Cost of Living Allowance* - which never has to be paid back.
If you are a UK resident starting a full-time undergraduate degree with us in September 2025 and paying your tuition fees with a student loan, you will automatically receive £5k in instalments across your years of study. No strings attached, just some extra support to help you focus on your studies.
*This allowance comes into effect in September 2025
"This allowance aligns with values the University has always held around social inclusion and with its longstanding commitment to supporting and responding to student needs as they develop. Those who wish to use higher education as a stepping stone to improve their skills and opportunities throughout life must not feel that they cannot afford to access it."
Frequently asked questions
Why does the University offer the Cost of Living Allowance?
The Cost of Living Allowance is designed to support UK home undergraduate students facing financial challenges due to rising living costs. This initiative reflects University College Birmingham’s commitment to social inclusion, supporting our students’ success and responding to the needs of our community.
Am I eligible for the Cost of Living allowance?
To be eligible for the Cost of Living Allowance, you must be a full-time undergraduate student with home fee status who will pay their fees using a student loan.
To receive the allowance, students need to have their student loan in place with University College Birmingham and have enrolled status for four weeks (from either term starts or their enrolment is completed, whichever is later). Students must have physical attendance marks (not just ‘engagement’ on the portal) to be entitled to receive the payment.
For February starters, the same applies - students who are enrolled and have attendance for four weeks (after either term starts or enrolment is completed, whichever is later) will receive the payment.
Do I need to apply for the Cost of Living Allowance?
The Cost of Living Allowance will automatically be applied for eligible students, there is no need to apply.
When will the Cost of Living Allowance go into my bank account?
The Cost of Living Allowance will be paid to you in instalments. If your course starts in September 2025, you will receive:
- £2,000 in monthly payments of £250 from October – May in both the first and second year of your course
- Two payments of £500, one in November and one in March in the third year of your course
If you are a February starter, you will receive:
- £2,000 in monthly payments of £250 from March – May, then September-January in both the first and second year of your course
- Two payments of £500, one in March and one in November in the third year of your course
To receive the allowance, students need to have their student loan in place with University College Birmingham and have enrolled status for four weeks (from either term starts or their enrolment is completed, whichever is later). Students must have physical attendance marks (not just ‘engagement’ on the portal) to be entitled to receive the payment.
For February starters, the same applies - students who are enrolled and have attendance for four weeks (after either term starts or enrolment is completed, whichever is later) will receive the payment.
For students whose loan is not in place, payments will only be backdated for a maximum of three months from the date of the tuition fee loan being approved. If, for example, a September starter has their loan approved the following March, they will receive payments for February, January and December – but not the November and October payments.
Am I eligible for the Cost of Living Allowance if I'm studying for a foundation degree?
If you are studying a two-year foundation degree, you will receive £2,000 in instalments each year of your course. If you decide you'd like to top up to a full BA or BSc (Hons) at the end of your foundation degree, you will also be entitled to the £1,000 in the third year.
Am I eligible for the Cost of Living Allowance if my attendance drops?
The Cost of Living Allowance is linked to minimum attendance requirements for each course.
Will I receive any Cost of Living Allowance if I have an additional placement year?
No, the Cost of Living Allowance doesn't apply in an additional placement year (if you end up doing a fourth year of your degree).
Am I eligible for the Cost of Living Allowance if I'm starting my course in February 2026?
For students on courses starting in February 2026, the payment plan of the Cost of Living Allowance will be adjusted accordingly.
You will receive:
- £2,000 in monthly payments of £250 from March – May, then September-January in both the first and second year of your course
- Two payments of £500, one in March and one in November in the third year of your course
Am I eligible for the Cost of Living Allowance if I am studying a one-year HNC?
Yes, you will receive £2,000 over the year of study.
Will I receive the Cost of Living Allowance if I'm studying an online or part-time course?
The Cost of Living Allowance does not apply to online and part-time courses.
Is the Cost of Living Allowance in addition to the Kick-Start scheme money?
The Cost of Living Allowance is in addition to Kick-Start funding, already available to all home undergraduate students. Find out more about Kick-Start here.
Am I eligible if I have enrolled on a higher education course at the University before?
To be eligible for the Cost of Living Allowance, students must not have been enrolled on any University College Birmingham higher education course in the past 12 months.
Am I eligible for the Cost of Living Allowance if I’m repeating a year?
Students on repeat study are not eligible for the Cost of Living Allowance.
Am I eligible for the Cost of Living Allowance if I'm starting my second or third year in September 2025?
Unfortunately, students joining us in years 2 or 3 are not eligible for the Cost of Living Allowance - this is a new scheme launched in Novembver 2024.
I have more questions about the Cost of Living Allowance, who can I contact?
If you have any questions about our Cost of Living Allowance, please email costofliving@ucb.ac.uk
Disclaimer: In the event that a student maintenance grant of any description is introduced by the government, the University reserves the right to review, adjust or withdraw the Cost of Living Allowance scheme.
Discover more
Scholarships and waivers
We provide a range of support to encourage access to our courses, from academic and sporting scholarships to different awards for international students.
Read more
Learning support
Whatever help you need to succeed in your studies, our learning support teams are committed to giving all our students the advice, skills and practical tools to discover your…
Read more
Disability and neurodiversity support
We are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment, and our DNS team is here to advise you and provide assistance throughout your studies.
Read more
Financial support
While studying, it is important to manage your finances and access any help to which you are entitled. Our staff are here to give you the support and advice you need.
Read more
Health and wellbeing
We know good health and wellbeing are essential for you to enjoy your university experience and study effectively. Our dedicated team are here to help you.
Read more