Funding for Full Time HE

Student Loans are the main source of help for living costs for students studying HNC or above. It is paid into your bank account in monthly instalments. If you decide to apply for a Student Loan SAAS will process the application and forward the information to the Student Loans Company. You must pay back your Student Loan, but not until your have left College or University and are earning more than £15,000 per year.

What is available?

Students from other parts of the UK

If you are coming to college from England, Wales or Northern Ireland your funding will be different from Scottish students. The best advice is to check with your local education authority however the www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance website is a good source of information. Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are entitled to apply for additional funding including Student Loan, Student Loan for Fees, maintenance grants and special support grants.

Juggling childcare responsibilities and college can be difficult. Although the College does not currently have any on site childcare facilities we can support you with the cost of childcare from the Childcare Fund.

Who can apply?

Any student who has a child who is dependent on them can apply for help with the cost of formal childcare costs. Students who are lone parents and students who have a partner who works but who receive Working Tax Credits may receive help towards the full cost of their childcare. Other students may recieve a maximum of £65 towards the cost of childcare.

Lone Parents

Students who are lone parents will be given priority and will be eligible for an award from the Lone Parent Childcare Grant. This is £1,215 towards the cost of childcare. If you are awarded the Lone Parent Childcare Grant it will be included in your overall Childcare award.

How to Apply

Fill in the application form and return it to Student Services.

We will also require:

• Confirmation of child’s place with care provider e.g. child care contract.
• Child’s birth certificate.
• For students studying at HNC & above, confirmation that you have requested full funding e.g. Student Loan.
• For lone parents we will need evidence of this e.g. Child Tax Credit Award letter referring to lone parent status.
• For students from low income households, a copy of your Working Tax Credit Award.

When to Apply

You should apply as soon as you have an offer of a course at the College. Funds are limited and are awarded on a first come, first served basis.

Students who require financial help because of a disability may be eligible for additional support from Bursary funds. For example: students who incur additional transport costs as a result of a disability. If this applies to you speak to a member of Student Services who can explain what to do and help you get the support you require.
 

Learning Support

Some students require additional support while at college. The Student Development team can provide access to specialist equipment or additional learning support in class.

Other Financial Help

The College Hardship Fund

What is it?

The College Hardship Fund is available if you are experiencing financial difficulties whilst studying.  You do not have to pay this money back and you can apply whether you study full time or part-time. The College receives this money from the Scottish Government.

How do I know if I can apply?

To apply to the Hardship Fund, you must have applied for all of the funding you are entitled to.So if you are on an HE course you must have applied for a Student Loan.

FAQs

The following provides some frequently asked questions which may help you work out if you are eligible to apply.

I am over 55 and I do not receive a Student Loan.  Can I apply?

Yes

I study full time but I still receive benefits. Can I apply?

Yes.  We will make an assessment based on your available income and outgoings.

I am an asylum seeker and study at the College.  Can I apply?

Yes.  However, we can only consider helping you with travel and study costs. We cannot give you help with your living costs.

Is there anything you will not help with?

Yes. Hardship Funds cannot be used to pay for tuition fees.  If, however, you are in hardship as a result of having to pay these fees yourself, you may apply to the Fund.

We may not take into account any costs associated with owning or running a car, unless it is essential for your travel to college i.e. you have a disability, caring responsibilities or you live in a remote area not served by public transport.

How do you make your decision?

We treat each application individually.  Along with your completed form, we will ask you to supply evidence of your income and your outgoings.  We will then make an assessment.

How do I apply?

All students wishing to apply to the College Hardship Fund must speak to a Student Advisor.  At this meeting the application process will be explained to you and we will decide whether you are eligible to apply.  If you are, you will be given a form to complete.

What if I’m not sure if I am eligible?

If you are not sure, ask!  Don’t assume you are not eligible to apply.

Housing Benefit and Council Tax

All full-time students can claim exemption from Council Tax. Forms are available from your local Housing Office.

Some students are also eligible to receive Housing Benefit. This includes lone parents, students who are disabled and student couples who have a dependent child. Contact your local Housing Office to apply.

Welfare Benefits

Some students may be able to study full-time and claim welfare benefits; however students cannot claim Jobseekers Allowance and study full-time.  Please contact your Benefits Adviser for advice on studying full-time if you are claiming benefits.

Educational Trusts

Some educational trusts and charities give small grants for specific purposes. They may help with fees, books or equipment. A list of educational trusts is available from Student Services.