Help for carers who want to study

Help for carers who want to study

As a carer, studying could mean doing a free online course, evening classes, or a degree.

My World of Work has information on training and studying. There’s also a finding courses tool that can help you find the right course for you.

Money and studying

If you decide to study it could have an impact on your benefits. Speak to Jobcentre Plus to find out more.

If you’re a carer who works or studies, you might be entitled to Carer’s Allowance or Young Carer Grant.

You could get employability support or grants. Your local carer centres should be able to advise on, to help with retraining or learning new skills.

Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) are grants up to £200 towards the costs of learning or training. Learn more about ITAs from My World of Work

If you’re a carer going to college or university you may be eligible for a student bursary, loan, or discretionary funds.

The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) has information on living cost grants.

For information on student funding, visit the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

Courses to help you in your caring role

The Open University in Scotland has created a free short course for people with caring responsibilities.

The course was created with and for carers. It can help:

• give a clearer understanding of who you are
• identify your personal qualities
• recognise the range of skills you’ve gained from your experiences

The course is for carers of any age and at any stage in their life or caring role. It’s flexible and can fit around other parts of your life.

It can also help you to:

• think about what you would like to do in the future for your career or further education
• make plans to help achieve your goals
• get a digital badge marking your achievement when you complete the course

Find out more about Caring Counts: a self-reflection and planning course for carers.

The Open University also offers a course called Caring Counts in the Workplace., This is for managers and policy makers, to help support carers in the workforce.

Further information

Contact your local carer centre to find out if there are any projects or access to support to help make the transition to education or training.

Read about the Open University’s range of resources and support for carers.