Help to get a first-class degree, initially (3)
I believe the answer is:
aid
'help' is the definition.
('aid' can be a synonym of 'help')
'get a first-class degree initially' is the wordplay.
'get' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a first class' becomes 'ai' (A1 - top quality).
'initially' says to take the initial letters.
The initial letter of 'degree' is 'd'.
'ai' put next to 'd' is 'AID'.
'to' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for aid that I've seen before include "Care and help" , "Relief" , "grant" , "A hand" , "Good point" .)