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 take out a Student Loan for living costs. Applications for SAAS are now open.
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 2025/26.
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 |
Care Experienced students:
SAAS offer an enhanced package of living cost support for care experienced students. This includes:
- £9,000 Bursary.
- £2,400 Special Support Loan
- Summer Accommodation Grant.
Visit our Care Experienced Bursaries page for more information.
Lone Parents:
Students who are lone parents can also apply to SAAS for additional support including the Lone Parent Grant of £1305.
Estranged Students:
Students under-25 and do not have any contact with their family can apply to SAAS for the Estranged Student Bursary of £1,000 and a Student Loan of up to £10,400.
How to Apply
You must apply for funding every year that you are studying and apply directly to SAAS. You will need to register with SAAS to create an online account to make an application. You will use this account every year that you are studying. Students starting courses in August 2025 are able to apply now with applications closing on 31 March 2026.
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.