Student Carers – help with study-related costs

Open University students in Scotland who have caring responsibilities can apply for financial support available specifically to help them with study related costs.  

We know that many carers have faced challenges in accessing higher education and in managing their studies alongside everything else going on in their lives. This financial support intends to recognise student carers’ achievements and provide some extra support where needed.  

The definition of a carer the OU uses is 'anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support'.

There is a Carers’ Bursary available for general study related costs: 

• A single payment of up to £250 per student. 
• For general study related costs, such as an office chair or desk, or internet access. 
• For OU students across the UK. 
• Students must be actively studying a minimum of 30 credits of Open University undergraduate or postgraduate study during the current academic year for which they are applying for a bursary.
• More information on the eligibility criteria and the application form is available to current students by logging onto the Carers’ Bursary webpage. 

Digital Inclusion Fund for Carers: 

• Funding to help students access information and communications technology equipment; Items include laptop/tablet, monitor, printer, headset, mouse and keyboard. This fund does not cover connectivity equipment or costs for internet bills. All OU students have access to Microsoft 365 through StudentHome. 
• For OU students in Scotland, as it is funded by the Scottish Funding Council.  
• As funds are limited, we encourage students to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.  
• More information on the eligibility criteria is available on the Digital Inclusion Fund application form (.doc). 

You may not be eligible for the Digital Inclusion Fund if you have already received funds to purchase the same or similar digital equipment through other means of financial support available to OU students. For example, through Disabled Students' Allowance, Discretionary Fund or the Connecting Scotland initiative. If this is the case, please tell us more in your application.