In prison, want to do Open University but need financial support?
Alongside our Longford Scholarships, we also offer the Frank Awards – grants for serving prisoners to cover the cost of one full module (60 credits) towards degrees at the Open University.
The Frank Awards are run and funded by the Longford Trust in partnership with the Prisoners’ Education Trust and the Open University, and supported financially by The Linbury Trust.
They are for those unable to access student loans for their OU studies behind bars, and those who can make a strong case why they cannot take out a loan.
Writing in the summer of 2026 to tell us he had passed his module with high marks, one Frank Award holder told us: ‘I love learning as it is fulfilling and keeps me hopeful for my future out of prison in a few years time. Bless you for having this funding option available. Without it, life in prison would be really hard’. Now eligible for a Student Finance England loan, they are continuing with their degree.
Who is eligible?
The Frank Awards are restricted to serving prisoners, with the support of their OU Distance Learning Coordinator. You must provide us with evidence that you cannot use the Student Finance England loans system to pay for your OU modules. We may be able to help. Find out if you are eligible
How to apply
There are two rounds of awards each year, with closing dates of 15 August for OU modules starting in October and 5 December for modules starting the following February. If you are successful, we will pay your fees direct to the Open University. Read How to Apply, Our Conditions and the Selection Criteria
- Frank Awards are support to do an Open University module
- Available in two rounds each year, apply in August and December
- Get paper application forms through your Education department
- For those who can’t access student loans otherwise