This article was written by Eden Assiene, a student writer based in London.
Yes, you can absolutely get student finance even if you’re not living with a parent. Whether you’ve moved out for university or are no longer in contact with your family, you’re still eligible for both tuition and maintenance loans, with the exact amount depending on your living arrangements and household income. If you’re considered independent or estranged, you’ll be assessed on your own financial situation, not your parents’. For students in these situations, additional support like grants or hardship funds may also be available. You can learn more about estrangement status on the official eligibility page or check out our guide on how parental income affects student loans.

Applying for estrangement status

Can you get Student Finance if you aren’t living with a parent?
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Remember you must have proof of your estrangement from your parents to meet the criteria.  A confirmation of Estrangement form is the best way to verify your situation to student finance. Alternatively, a note from your social worker, doctor or significant person in your community aware of you predicament will be accepted. A letter from a teacher or a police report evidencing your estrangement can help your case. Applying for estrangement status is serious claim and so you will only be accepted with suitable evidence. You are not eligible solely because you are not on good terms with your parents. You are not eligible if your parents don’t support you financially and are not living with you. If all else fails contact your student services to assist you with your application. Check your institution’s website for details!

Apply for independent status

There are a number of factors that you need to take into account when applying for independent status.

Here’s the criteria:

  • You are over 25 when you course starts
  • You are a care leaver and have been under local authority care
  • Both of your parents have passed away
  • Your parents are debilitated by mental or physical ailments which inhibits your ability to contact them
  • You have been married before starting your course
  • If you have a child or somebody reliant on you under 18 (dependent)
  • You have been providing for yourself for three yours of more through employment or government assistance
  • Unable to get into contact with your parent or can’t due to safety reasons
  •  Have been estranged from your parents for a year, adoptive or otherwise.
When you gain independent status your student loan will be calculated according to your own savings.

Applying for additional funds

Can you get student finance if you aren’t living with a parent?
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Most students will be able to relate to having their parents support them financially while studying. It’s easy to lose money at university from social events, your daily cost of living to even buying books and resources for study. This is where hardship funds come in. Explaining your situation should be sufficient to make you eligible for funding. National charity Turn2Us can help you find grants and bursaries!  We hope this article has helped you feel more confident about the student finance process.If you still feel unsure about receiving student finance if you aren’t living with a parent please click here to talk to a professional!
Can you get student finance if you aren’t living with a parent?
Source: Unsplash
Want to know more about student finance? What you’re eligible for? Check out this article Everybody deserves to go to university. No matter their circumstance. Fortunately students can afford to attend university and receive student finance. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t living with a parent. As the time for applications to university draw closer, keep in mind that nothing is out of your reach!
Rachel Brooks
Rachel Brooks – University of Exeter
Topic expertise: Student budgeting and finance

FAQs on Student Finance Without Parental Support

Yes. You can still apply for and receive student finance even if you’re not living with your parents. Your eligibility may differ depending on whether you’re considered a dependent, independent, or estranged student.

Estrangement status applies if you’ve permanently broken contact with your parents for serious reasons. To apply, you need to submit a Confirmation of Estrangement form and supporting evidence, such as letters from a teacher, social worker, or doctor.

You may be classed as independent if you’re over 25, have no living parents, have supported yourself for at least three years, are married, have children, or are estranged. Independent students are assessed based on their own income, not their parents’.

For 2025/26, the maximum maintenance loan is £10,544 if you live away from home outside London, or £13,762 if studying in London. Your actual amount depends on your household income and eligibility status.

Yes. If you’re classed as independent or estranged, you may qualify for hardship funds, university bursaries, or extra grants. Organisations like Turn2Us can also help you find other sources of financial aid.

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  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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