Funding for Part Time Courses
It is important to make sure that you have your finances sorted out before you enrol on a course. There are various sources of funding available for Part Time study.
Although this information will help you, it is a good idea to talk to staff in Student Services who will take your personal circumstances into consideration and advise you of the best options available.
You can contact Student Services in the following ways:
By phone
For general information - 0141 566 6224
By email
studentservices@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk
In person
Our City Campus in Glasgow's City Centre at 60 North Hanover St.
(opposite Queen Street Station)
Our Riverside Campus at 21 Thistle Street, Glasgow G5 9XB.
We are open Monday – Friday from 8.45am - 4.45pm.
Funding for Part-Time Course
If you are on benefits, you may not be required to pay courses fees, however fee waiver places are limited and are not available for all classes. To book a fee waiver place telephone Student Services on 0141 566 6216/1501. You will be required to pay a £5 deposit to secure your fee waiver place which will be refunded when enrolment has taken place.
Once booked you have 5 working days to produce proof of your eligibility. Documents must be up to date within the last 3 months. More information on fee waivers is available from the Finance Section on 0141 566 4125.
If you earn up to £22,000 a year ILA Scotland will provide you with up to £200 a year which you can use to pay for your evening or weekend classes. Once the College has processed your ILA you will receive a Learning Token from ILA for your class which you must take or mail to the Finance Office.
Some of our classes are eligible for ILA’s, please call Student Services on 0141 566 6216 for further information. To find out more call ILA Scotland free on 0808 100 1090 or visit www.ilascotland.org.uk
This scheme is the new way to get help paying for the cost of your learning. If you have an individual income of up to £22,000 a year this scheme will provide you with up to £500 per year towards the cost of tuition fees.
With a Part-time Fee Grant you can get up to £500 towards your part-time Higher Education course fees. You need to be studying at a Scottish Institution on a part-time Higher Education course, Professional Development Award (PDA) or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at levels 7-11 of the Scottish Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and complete at least 40 SCQF credits per year.
Any student in receipt of full-time student support from SAAS is not eligible for the part-time fee grant. This includes students who are registered as full-time but attending on a part-time basis. Also, SAAS cannot offer any part-time fee grant funding if you are already receiving support for other government training schemes. This includes ILA200, Training for Work, Get Ready for Work and the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme.
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.
