Funding for students under the age of 25 and self-supporting
Some students may be considered self-supporting (financially independent from their parents) and therefore can be assessed on their own income only. Students who are normally assessed in this way are students who:
- Both your parents are deceased
- You have a child who is dependent on you (this could be your own child and you are a lone parent or a sibling you look after)
- You are married or living with a partner
- You have supported yourself for 3 or more years through employment or benefit
- Estranged from parents
Funding for your living costs
Funding for your living costs
If you are eligible for funding to cover your tuition fees you may be eligible for student support to assist with your living costs.
If you are under 25 and self-supporting, you could receive a potential award of:
- Bursary Maintenance of £125.55 per week
- Travel Award (under 22’s travel free by bus in Scotland)
- Study Costs
- Tuition Fees
This award is means tested on your unearned income – for instance, Working Tax Credit. You will need to provide three full financial years income over £3,500 each year i.e. three P60’s.
Funding advice for estranged students
Funding advice for estranged students
The definition of estrangement from the Scottish Funding Council is a permanent and irrevocable breakdown in the parental / child relationship. A breakdown in family communication is not considered to be estrangement.
If you wish to be considered as an estranged student, you must provide documentation to confirm this.
The college has a dedicated Access and Transitions Team who can support you through your student journey.
Benefits recipients
Benefits recipients
If you are in receipt of benefits, you should contact your local Benefits Office or Citizens Advice for advice on whether you can continue to claim while studying on your course as full-time students are not normally entitled to receive benefits, however, there are some exceptions.
If you are eligible to receive Universal Credit (UC) while studying, or will have a change of circumstances prior to the start date of your course (such as giving up work) and will need to make a claim for UC, you will be assessed for a maximum bursary maintenance allowance of £28.00 a week. If you receive this allowance, there will be no work-related requirements for UC.
You may also receive funding for travel, study and additional support needs allowances without this having an impact on your UC award. Any maintenance funding awarded over £28.00 a week would reduce your UC award on a pound for pound basis.
You are eligible for Universal Credit if you’re studying full-time and any of the following apply:
- you are under 21 when you start your course and you are without parental support
- you are responsible for a child
- you live with your partner and they’re eligible for Universal Credit
- you are over pension age and live with a partner who is under that age
- you are disabled and have limited capability for work (assessed by the DWP) and get disability living allowance (DLA) or personal independence payment (PIP)
Please see the Government Guidance for Universal Credit and students - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Childcare funding
Childcare funding
Childcare funding is available to assist with the cost of childcare with registered childcare providers while you attend college classes or placements or course work remotely. As funds are limited, there is a cap on the amount of childcare that can be paid to you. Therefore, please be aware that your childcare costs may not be covered in full.
Childcare funding is paid in arrears direct to your childcare provider on receipt of completed childcare expense claim forms. Childcare expense claim forms can be found on your student hub. Please note that it is your responsibility for paying your childcare costs until the childcare award has been made.
Discretionary hardship funding
Discretionary hardship funding
The Discretionary Hardship fund can assist students who experience financial difficulty while are college. Any award from this fund is non-repayable.
The fund is primarily used to help with rent / accommodation costs for students in financial hardship with no access to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
To be considered for accommodation assistance, you will need to have a tenancy in your name and be registered at that address for council tax purposes. Full time students qualify for Council Tax Exemption but still need to be registered at the property.
Emergency payments may also be made from this fund, and these are considered on an individual basis. This fund is means tested.
Evidence you will need to provide:
- Proof of accommodation costs – Mortgage / Tenancy Agreement / Lodgers Agreement
- Council Tax Letter
- Two month’s recent and consecutive bank statements
- Three months’ recent and consecutive payslips
Please note: You must tick the discretionary hardship box on the first page of the application process. If you wish to apply after you have submitted your application, you should request a ‘Re-assessment/Appeal’ through your Student Hub.
Additional support fund
Additional support fund
Additional Support funding can be used to cover additional study-related expenses that arise as a result of your disability.
This allowance offers help towards specialist equipment, classroom support and travel costs because you need taxi transport to get to College.
These funds are not means tested on family income but do require an assessment by the College’s Additional Support team.
If you have a disability or additional support need, please contact the Additional Support team who will be pleased to discuss your requirements.