Higher Education funding – Scotland

Most students completing a 3-year degree course can expect to have accumulated a debt of £20000 by the time they graduate.

The guide below gives information on the financial assistance that may be available dependant on circumstances and where the student usually resided when starting the course.

Tuition fees vary depending on the type of course being undertaken. Applications for financial support can be made following application to the chosen college or university; often this will be in the Spring.

The SAAS (Students Award Agency for Scotland) assess Parent’s contribution on the amount of income earned, not on their ability to pay. In law the parents are obligated to support their children when they move into Higher Education.

New students – financial support

Full-time education in Scotland

Tuition Fees

– Free tuition is available to those students who both live and study in Scotland. Fees are paid directly to the college or university through the (SAAS). Annual applications by students are made for payment of the fees.

Student Loan for Living Costs

– Such a loan is paid monthly and is based on household income; the actual course being studied and where the student resides. Repayment is only made after a certain level of income is attained following completion of the education.

Young Students Bursary

– Paid only to eligible students under the age of 25. Based on household income, the student loan amount will be reduced by the amount of the bursary award. An additional loan may also be available depending on circumstances. No repayment required

Students studying part-time

Financial help is available for students living in Scotland wishing to study on a part time basis.

Individual learning account (ILA) Fee Grant

is governed by income and the course being studied and is to help cover the cost of tuition. It is paid directly to the institution and does not need to be repaid.

Check course fees at the different colleges, as they can vary enormously.

Mature Students

Must be under 55 to apply for a student loan for living costs. Other grants may also be applicable. All other entitlements remain the same as for everyone else.

Other grants

There are several other grants available to eligible students covering areas such as travelling/lone parents/disabilities/students with adult dependants and more.

Discretionary Funds

providing additional Financial assistance to students studying in Scotland and in the rest of the UK. These cover such things as Sponsorships/Trusts and Endowments/Welfare benefits/and Career Development Loans (CDL)

The CDL Information Line – 0800 100 900

Income assessed loans are available to students who have to study outside of the UK as part of their course or wish to take part in a voluntary exchange through the Erasmus exchange programme. Information on these programmes is available from the British Council who administers the Erasmus scheme.

British Council Tel No 0161 957 7755

Student loan repayments

Fees for loans or maintenance are repaid via the Income-Contingent Repayment scheme (ICR)

Payment is automatically taken from pay via the tax system PAYE once it reaches a level of £16,910.

However, the self-employed must manage the repayment themselves, likewise people working abroad must contact the loan company and arrange payment accordingly.

Increased or additional payments can be made to finish the term of the loan earlier; however deferred loans will continue to accrue interest.

Help and guidance

The (SAAS) should be contacted for advice on the financial help available and how to apply. An online support calculator is also available which may give you a rough guide as to the financial help a student may be entitled to.

Application forms should be completed online, but hard copies will still be accepted.