Discretionary Funds

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Discretionary Fund

What is the Discretionary Fund?

The Discretionary Fund, also known as the Hardship Fund, is extra funding given to the College by Scottish Government to help support students financially. The fund is intended for students who are experiencing financial issues. The fund is used to help towards costs which can include accommodation, utility bills, travel and study costs. We welcome applications from all students but give priority to the following groups:

  • Lone parents.
  • People in their own tenancy (including student accommodation).
  • Over 60s.  
  • Students paying their own fees.
  • Student carers, estranged students and care experienced students. 

Students do not need to repay this fund; however, money is limited and not all applications are successful. 

Who can apply?

To apply you must:

  • Be enrolled on a certified course.
  • Have applied for and be receiving the full amount of funding available to you. For example, a full-time HND student should be getting the full Student Loan available to them.
How we assess you:
  • Full-time students are assessed based on their income and expenditure and awards are given related to financial deficit. Please note that not all costs will be included, some costs are capped to ensure fair assessment and we will include an assumed income from part-time work for students studying HNC/HND/Degree. 
  • Part-time students can apply; however, we’re limited to assisting with travel and course materials costs. 
  • ESOL students can apply for help towards their travel costs. Students must meet residency conditions and live more than 2 miles from the College. Priority is given to those in receipt of benefits. 
  • Students who are seeking asylum may be supported with travel costs; however, this will depend on your course and mode of study. 

How to Apply

If you are interested in making an application, please email studentadvisors@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk, call us on 0141 375 5192 or drop-in to Student Services to meet with a Student Advisor. 

Evidence for your Application

When you apply, you will be asked to provide evidence to support your application. You must provide:

  1. A recent bank statement covering at least four weeks.
  2. Evidence of your income e.g. SAAS award letter, wage slip, Universal Credit breakdown, etc.  
  3. Evidence of accommodation costs e.g. tenancy agreement, mortgage statement or letter from home.

You can provide additional evidence such as credit card bills, rent arrears statements and evidence of debt repayments.

Contact Us

Student Advisors are available for drop-in at Student Services or you can get in touch with us by email or phone. We're open Monday- Friday 8.45am-4.30pm. 

Tel: 0141 375 5192
Email: studentadvisors@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk.   

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