UNISON wants to help members realise their potential. We offer financial support to members taking part in various educational and learning opportunities, as well as learning discounts from a number of providers. We also offer grants to members studying on trade union and labour movement or women’s studies courses.
The number of grants is limited and they are awarded on a first come, first served, basis.
Open University awards
Open University awards are available to UNISON members undertaking 30 and 60 point Open University courses up to and including undergraduate level at their own expense. Awards are made as follows:
- 60 point courses: £300
- 30 point courses: £200
Trade Union and Labour Movement or Women’s Studies grants
Members studying these subjects can apply for the following:
- Certificate or Diploma grants of up to £300 towards fees for members on Trade Union and Labour Movement or Women’s Studies courses
- Bachelor or Masters Degree study: substantial grants for union reps studying Trade Union and Labour Movement or Women’s Studies degrees
Learning grants
These grants of up to £200 are intended to help members studying at levels up to and including undergraduate at their own expense on the following types of courses:
- Trade Union and Labour Studies (where an applicant has not received a bursary)
- non-vocational education up to and including undergraduate level (e.g. GCSE maths or English)
- vocational education relevant to public service work up to and including undergraduate level
Grants for School Support Staff
To help you get on at work and develop your career, UNISON is offering personal learning development grants for members who are school support staff.
A limited number of awards of up to £300 each are being offered to help towards course fees.
Grants for Care Workers
To help you get on at work and develop your career, UNISON is offering personal learning development grants for
- members who provide social care in residential homes or individuals’ own homes
A limited number of awards of up to £300 each are being offered to help towards course fees.
Learning discounts for UNISON members
Members can get fee discounts for distance learning from:
- National Extension College – 10% discount on all NEC courses, including GCSEs, A-levels, and vocational courses
- CILEx Law School – 5% discount on law courses (excluding legal practice course or postgraduate Diploma in Law
- The Open College of the Arts – £50 off OCA tutored arts and craft courses for UNISON members and their families
- Birkbeck, University of London – 10% discount for union members
- University of Wolverhampton – 10% discount on course fees for trade union members. For more information contact unionenquiries@wlv.ac.uk
