Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit designed to support individuals with living costs if they are on a low income or out of work.
While it primarily caters to working-age individuals, students in the UK may also qualify under certain conditions.
This blog explores whether students can claim Universal Credit in 2025, who qualifies, and how education status and student finance can impact entitlements.
What Is Universal Credit And How Does It Support Low-Income Individuals?
Universal Credit is a monthly payment designed to assist individuals or households on a low income with essential living costs such as rent, food, and bills. It combines several older benefits into a single payment, including:
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Eligibility is determined through an assessment of monthly income, savings, household makeup, and employment status. Students are generally excluded unless they meet certain exception criteria.
Can Full-Time Students Claim Universal Credit In The UK?
Most full-time students are not entitled to Universal Credit due to the assumption that student finance supports their living costs. However, there are notable exceptions where students may still qualify, depending on their circumstances.
Full-time students must fall into one of the exception categories to be eligible. These exceptions include:
- Being aged 21 or under and studying full-time non-advanced education without parental support
- Having responsibility for a child
- Living with a partner who is eligible for Universal Credit
- Having a disability and being assessed as having limited capability for work before the course began
- Receiving a Migration Notice requiring a switch to Universal Credit
- Living with a partner who qualifies for Pension Credit while the student is under pension age
Who Qualifies For Universal Credit While Studying Full-Time?
Although the general rule excludes full-time students from receiving Universal Credit, there are specific circumstances in which full-time students may be eligible to claim.
These exceptions are designed to support the most vulnerable student groups or those facing additional financial pressures. Claimants must still meet all other general eligibility conditions for Universal Credit, such as being on a low income and residing in the UK.
Below are the main categories of full-time students who can qualify for Universal Credit in 2025:
1. Young People Aged 21 Or Under In Non-Advanced Education Without Parental Support
Students who are aged 21 or under and enrolled in full-time non-advanced education may be eligible for Universal Credit if they do not have parental support. This includes:
- Young people who have left local authority care (care leavers)
- Those who are estranged from their parents or guardians and cannot live with them
- Students who have been orphaned or otherwise abandoned
To qualify, the student must have started their non-advanced course before turning 21. The Universal Credit award can continue until:
- The end of the academic year in which they turn 21, or
- The end of the course if it finishes before they turn 21
These students are typically not supported through parental income assessments for student finance, so Universal Credit provides a safety net.
2. Students Who Are Responsible For A Child
A full-time student who is responsible for a child may be eligible for Universal Credit. This applies to:
- Single parents
- Members of a couple where either or both partners are students
- Parents of adopted or fostered children
Universal Credit recognises the increased financial responsibility of parenting and allows qualifying student parents to access support.
In many cases, these students also receive additional support through the childcare element of Universal Credit or Parents’ Learning Allowance via student finance.
3. Students Living With A Partner Who Is Eligible For Universal Credit
If a student lives with a partner who qualifies for Universal Credit, the couple can make a joint claim. In such cases, the student may be included in the Universal Credit assessment, even if they wouldn’t qualify as an individual.
However, the student’s income from loans and grants will still be taken into account when calculating the total household Universal Credit award.
The key factor is that one partner must not be in full-time education and must meet all the standard criteria for Universal Credit.
This route is particularly common among young couples where one partner works while the other studies, or where one has caring responsibilities or a health condition.
4. Students With A Disability Or Health Condition
Students who are considered unfit for work due to a health condition or disability may qualify for Universal Credit while studying full-time, provided they meet these specific criteria:
- The student receives a qualifying disability benefit, such as:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Child Disability Payment (Scotland only)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- The student must have been assessed and found to have Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) before starting their course
This is particularly relevant for disabled students who face additional barriers to employment. It allows them to receive financial support while pursuing education, often alongside tailored student finance like Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs).
5. Students Who Have Received A Migration Notice
Some students may be moved from legacy benefits (such as Income Support or Housing Benefit) to Universal Credit through a Migration Notice issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
If a student receives such a notice, they are required to apply for Universal Credit and may become eligible even if they are in full-time education. This route is only applicable to claimants transitioning under the managed migration process, and eligibility still depends on meeting other criteria.
Students in this situation should seek advice promptly and ensure they comply with deadlines to avoid loss of benefits.
6. Students With A Partner Receiving Pension Credit
In couples where one partner is of pension age and receives Pension Credit, and the other partner (the student) is below pension age, the household may still qualify for Universal Credit. The claim is made as a couple, and the pension-age partner’s benefit status enables the joint claim.
This exception helps maintain household income where the student would otherwise be excluded due to full-time study.
Key Conditions Summary Table:
| Student Category | Eligible For Universal Credit? | Key Conditions |
| Aged ≤ 21 in non-advanced education | Yes | Must lack parental support and have started course before 21 |
| Responsible for a child | Yes | Applies to single parents or couples, including foster parents |
| Lives with eligible partner | Yes | Joint claim; partner must qualify individually |
| Disabled with LCW or LCWRA | Yes | Must receive PIP, DLA, etc., and assessed before course started |
| Received Migration Notice | Yes | Must apply due to transition from legacy benefits |
| Partner gets Pension Credit | Yes | Household claim; student must be under pension age |
What Types Of Courses Are Considered Full-Time Or Non-Advanced Education?
Determining whether a student is eligible for Universal Credit often depends on the type and level of the course they are enrolled in.
Universal Credit rules differentiate between advanced and non-advanced education, and eligibility can vary depending on whether the course is considered full-time or part-time.
The classification of the course level and its mode of study plays a major role in defining whether a student is entitled to claim Universal Credit or not.
Full-Time Courses
Whether a course is considered full-time is not based solely on how many hours a student personally attends but is instead determined by the education or training provider.
If the institution deems the course to be full-time, then it will be treated as such by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), even if the student only attends on a part-time basis due to personal arrangements.
A course is considered full-time if:
- It requires a significant time commitment during the week
- It involves a structured programme of learning
- It includes guided learning hours, assessments, coursework, and/or placements
Students enrolled in such courses are generally excluded from Universal Credit unless they fall under one of the recognised exception categories.
It’s important to note that Universal Credit uses the education provider’s classification of full-time or part-time, not the student’s actual attendance or perception of the course’s intensity.
What Qualifies As A Course?
A course is defined as an arrangement of structured study, tuition or training. This can be academic, vocational, or practical in nature and is typically delivered by:
- Schools
- Colleges
- Sixth-form institutions
- Private training providers
- Universities
Courses generally lead to a qualification or recognised certification. However, even if a programme of study does not result in a formal qualification, it can still be considered a course for Universal Credit purposes.
Advanced Education
Advanced education is a level of study above non-advanced qualifications and usually includes university-level or higher-level technical or professional training.
Students undertaking advanced education are typically not eligible for Universal Credit unless they meet specific exception criteria.
Examples of full-time advanced education include:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
- Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
- Diplomas of Higher Education (DipHE)
- Courses above A Levels or Scottish Highers
- BTEC Higher National Certificates or Diplomas
- Professional qualifications at Level 4 and above
These courses are usually delivered by universities and higher education institutions. Students enrolled in these programmes are expected to support themselves through student finance, and are therefore excluded from Universal Credit by default.
Non-Advanced Education
Non-advanced education refers to study that is at or below the level of A Levels. In some circumstances, students in non-advanced education may be eligible for Universal Credit, especially if they are under 21 and do not have parental support, or if they meet another exemption criterion.
Examples of full-time non-advanced education include:
- GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
- AS Levels and A Levels
- BTEC Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 qualifications
- NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) up to Level 3
- Entry-level certificates and Skills for Life courses
- National 5s and Highers in Scotland
- Scottish National Certificate (NC) or Diploma courses
- National Qualification Framework (NQF) courses up to Level 3
Non-advanced education is typically delivered in secondary schools, sixth form colleges, further education (FE) colleges, and training providers. These courses often serve as a bridge to employment or advanced study.
Some vocational training and skills development courses that are funded by the government or a local authority may also fall into the non-advanced category.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are generally not classified as non-advanced education for the purposes of Universal Credit. Instead, apprentices are assessed separately and can often claim Universal Credit if they meet certain income and employment conditions, such as being paid at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices and working a minimum number of hours.
However, if an apprenticeship does not meet these employment standards or the apprentice is considered a full-time student, they may not be eligible.
Impact Of Course Type On Eligibility
The distinction between advanced and non-advanced education significantly affects a student’s Universal Credit eligibility. Generally:
- Students in advanced education are not eligible unless they meet strict exemptions (e.g., being a parent, having a disability)
- Students in non-advanced education may be eligible if they meet age and support conditions, especially if they are under 21 and without parental support
- The mode of study (full-time or part-time) also impacts eligibility, with more flexibility for part-time students
Can Part-Time Students Get Universal Credit In 2025?
Part-time students are more likely to be eligible for Universal Credit, provided they are available for and actively seeking work.
This is particularly relevant for students who are:
- Studying fewer than 12 hours per week
- Over the age of 19 as of 1 September (because parents can still claim child-related benefits before this date)
- Not receiving maintenance loans
Evidence of the course details and a declaration of availability for work are often required.
How Does Student Income Affect Your Universal Credit Payments?
Student income, primarily maintenance loans, is treated as income when calculating a Universal Credit award. This reduces the monthly amount a student can receive.
- Loans for tuition fees are not counted
- Maintenance loans are considered income
- Even if a student does not take the full loan, the amount they are eligible for is assessed
- £110 per month is disregarded from the calculation
- Universal Credit is reduced £1 for every £1 of student income beyond this disregard
Example Calculation Table:
| Description | Amount (£) |
| Annual maintenance loan eligible for | 6,600 |
| Number of monthly assessment periods | 10 |
| Monthly considered income (6,600 ÷ 10) | 660 |
| Less £110 disregard | 550 |
| Amount deducted from Universal Credit | 550 per month |
This deduction applies during each monthly assessment period while the student is attending the course.
What Types Of Student Loans Affect Universal Credit?
Different types of loans impact Universal Credit in different ways. The main loan considered is the maintenance loan.
- Maintenance Loans: Counted in full (minus the disregard). If reduced due to parental contribution, the full eligible amount is still considered.
- Tuition Fee Loans: Not included in the calculation
- Postgraduate Loans: Only 30% is treated as income
- This applies to both Master’s and Doctoral loans
- Payments are made in three instalments per year
- Designed to cover both tuition and living costs
Postgraduate Loan Impact Table:
| Loan Type | Loan Total (£) | Amount Considered for UC (30%) (£) |
| Master’s Loan | 11,000 | 3,300 |
| Doctoral Loan | 27,000 | 8,100 |
These figures are spread across the academic year and divided into monthly assessments.
Are Special Support Loans Or Grants Excluded From Universal Credit Calculations?
Yes, Special Support Loans and Grants are excluded from the Universal Credit income calculation. These are intended to help students with the costs of study rather than everyday living expenses.
Students may qualify for Special Support if they receive or are eligible for:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- The housing element of Universal Credit
Expenses covered by this support include:
- Travel to and from education
- Books and equipment
- Childcare
- Other essential study-related costs
In England, the Special Support Grant was replaced by a Special Support Loan in 2016. In Wales, it remains a grant.
How Are Student Grants Treated Under Universal Credit Rules?
Student grants are treated differently depending on whether the student is also eligible for a maintenance loan.
If a student is eligible for a maintenance loan, the following parts of the grant will be counted:
- Rent costs
- Maintenance for dependent children or adults included in the Universal Credit claim
If the student is not eligible for a loan, several categories of grant support are disregarded, such as:
- Tuition fees
- Disability-related support
- Costs of living away from the usual place of study
- Books, travel, childcare, and equipment
This policy is designed to ensure that only core living cost grants affect the Universal Credit amount.
What Additional Support Is Available For Student Parents And Disabled Students?
Students with dependent children or disabilities are among the few groups who may receive extra support through both student finance and Universal Credit.
Examples of Additional Support:
- Childcare Grant: Covers up to 85% of childcare costs
- Parents’ Learning Allowance: Helps with learning-related costs for student parents
- Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs): For equipment, study support, and travel
- Universal Credit Elements: May include housing and child elements, and limited capability for work component
Eligibility for these supports often increases a student’s chance of qualifying for Universal Credit, especially if they study part-time or fall into one of the exempt categories.
How Can Students Get Help And Advice On Universal Credit?
Navigating the Universal Credit system as a student can be complex. Reliable support is available through multiple official and third-party sources:
- Universal Credit Helpline: For official claims assistance
- GOV.UK: Provides up-to-date eligibility rules and guidance
- Citizens Advice: Offers case-by-case guidance
- Turn2Us: Includes benefit calculators and emergency grant support
- University and College Support Services: On-site financial advisors are often available
Accurate information and guidance can prevent overpayments and ensure that eligible students do not miss out on financial help.
Conclusion
In most cases, full-time students cannot receive Universal Credit. However, there are clear exceptions for vulnerable groups, including young students without parental support, student parents, and those with disabilities. Part-time students may also qualify, provided they are available for work.
While student loans and grants can reduce the Universal Credit award, these rules are in place to avoid duplication of support.
Understanding the criteria and preparing necessary documentation can help eligible students secure the financial help they need during their studies in 2025.
FAQs
What if a student doesn’t take out the full maintenance loan?
Even if a student declines or reduces their maintenance loan, the maximum amount they are eligible for will still be used in the Universal Credit assessment.
Can international students claim Universal Credit in the UK?
Generally, no. International students are subject to immigration control and typically do not qualify for Universal Credit unless they have settled status or other specific exceptions apply.
Do postgraduate students get Universal Credit?
Yes, postgraduate students may qualify if they meet eligibility criteria, especially if they are disabled or responsible for a child. Only 30% of their postgraduate loan is considered income.
Can student nurses claim Universal Credit?
Student nurses may be eligible if they meet the exception criteria, such as having children or a disability. Their bursaries and loans are assessed similarly to other students.
What happens if a student drops out mid-year?
If a student leaves their course, they must inform Universal Credit immediately. This can change their eligibility and payment amounts significantly.
How do apprenticeships affect Universal Credit eligibility?
Apprentices can claim Universal Credit if they meet general criteria and are paid at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices. Their income from the apprenticeship will be assessed as part of their claim.
