Student Grants: How to Find Free Money for Education and Training

When you hear student grants, free financial aid that doesn’t need to be paid back. Also known as educational grants, they’re one of the best ways to cover school costs without borrowing money. Unlike loans, grants don’t pile up interest or haunt you after graduation. They’re given to students based on need, merit, or specific goals—like studying a high-demand skill or joining a teacher training program.

Many students don’t even know grants exist because they’re not advertised like ads for student loans. But they’re out there. Some come from the government, others from nonprofits, schools, or even companies looking to build a skilled workforce. For example, if you’re training to be a coder, a teacher, or a skilled tradesperson, there are grants specifically for those paths. The vocational training, hands-on education that leads directly to a job, not a degree. Also known as career training, it’s often overlooked but heavily funded. And if you’re preparing for a tough exam like NEET or IIT JEE, some organizations give grants to students from low-income families to cover coaching fees or study materials.

Grants aren’t just for college. They cover everything from online coding courses to teacher certification programs. Google’s free certifications? Some nonprofits will pay for you to take them. The eLearning platforms, websites where you take courses online to build job-ready skills. Also known as online learning portals, they’re becoming a major route for grant-funded education. You don’t need to be rich or perfect. You just need to know where to look and how to apply. Some grants are for students who live in certain states. Others are for girls in STEM, first-generation learners, or people switching careers after age 25.

There’s a gap between what students think they can afford and what’s actually available. Many give up before even applying, thinking grants are only for top scorers or Ivy League-bound kids. But the truth? Most grants go to people who just show up and try. You don’t need a 95% score. You need a clear plan, a short application, and the courage to ask for help.

Below, you’ll find real stories and guides from students who used grants to pay for exam prep, online courses, and career training—without taking on debt. Whether you’re studying for CBSE, preparing for NEET, or learning to code for free, there’s funding out there. You just need to know where to look.