HNC/HND/Degree Courses
Students who normally live in Scotland and are studying at SCQF level 7 and above should apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for their funding. You should apply to SAAS for fees and a Bursary, and can also choose to take out a Student Loan for living costs.
From 2025, Student Loans will be linked to fee support. Students starting a new course in 2025 who are not awarded fee support from SAAS will not be eligible for a Student Loan. This is to reduce the debt burden on students who have studied at this level before. More information on this will be available later in the year. Current students who do not receive fee support will continue to be eligible for a Student Loan from Student Loans Company.
Special Support Loan
The special support loan is available to all students who qualify for SAAS funding. It is intended for travel, course costs and childcare. For students who receive Universal Credit, this loan will not impact on your benefit entitlement because it is intended for course related costs.
The information below outlines the support available for 2024/25.
Young Students
| Household Income | Bursary | Student Loan | Special Support Loan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £0-£20,999 | £2,000 | £7,000 | £2,400 | £11,400 |
| £21,000-£23,999 | £1,125 | £7,000 | £2,400 | £10,525 |
| £24,000-£33,999 | £500 | £7,000 | £2,400 | £9,900 |
| £34,000 and above | £0 | £6,000 | £2,400 | £8,400 |
Independent Students
| Household Income | Bursary | Student Loan | Special Support Loan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £0-£20,999 | £1,000 | £8,000 | £2,400 | £11,400 |
| £21,000-£23,999 | £0 | £8,000 | £2,400 | £10,400 |
| £24,000-£33,999 | £0 | £7,500 | £2,400 | £9,900 |
| £34,000 and above | £0 | £6,000 | £2,400 | £8,400 |
Other Grants
Students can also apply to SAAS for additional grants including:
- Lone Parent Grant of £1305. Available for students who are lone parents.
- Dependent's Grant of £2640. Available for students who are financially responsible for another adult e.g. spouse/partner who they care for.
How to Apply
You must apply for funding every year that you are studying and apply directly to SAAS. You will need to register your online account through the website to make an application. Students starting courses in August 2024 are able to apply from April with applications closing on 31 March 2025.
Applications with no errors and all supporting documents submitted by 30 June are guaranteed to be assessed before your course starts, so it’s important to make an early application. Check out the SAAS YouTube channel for videos to help you with your application.
You can contact SAAS through your online account, by phone on 0300 555 0505 and through their Web Chat on the Contact Us page on the website.