How it adds up
Money does matter, especially when you decide to take up a course of study. The good news is, as a student, you may be eligible for financial support and there's a range of grants, bursaries and scholarships available. To find out what support could be available to you call 01592 223543.
National Qualification Bursary
If you're planning to start a full-time NQ you may be eligible for a bursary. You may also be eligible for Further Education Support Funds to help out with registered childcare, bills, rent, travel and living costs. Details of the support available to you and a Money Does Matter application form can be obtained from our Guidance staff - call 01592 223543.
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
If you are under 18 when you start full-time study you can apply for an EMA to help with your living costs throughout your course. The amount of support you receive will be determined by the income coming into your household. Winter leavers will not be eligible for an EMA until January 2007. More advice and information is available from our student funding team.
Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/D)
If you're starting out on a full-time HNC/D, you need to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to make sure your tuition fees are paid. You'll probably need to take out a student loan to help with living costs too. Additional help from other support funds is only available if you've taken out a full student loan.
There are different levels of help available. Students under 25 from low income families may be eligible for a Young Student Bursary. Higher Education Support Funds are also available to help with rent, mortgage payments, registered childcare and living costs.
Web: www.saas.gov.uk
E-mail: saas.geu@scotland.gsi.gov.uk .
Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs)
If you are 16 or over you may be eligible to apply for an Individual Learning
Account. This scheme, backed by the Scottish Government, offers two levels
of funding:
- £500 for Higher Level certificated courses which are
equal to 40 SCQF points;
- £200 for all other courses that are
either certificated or are vocational.
This funding is available to all persons, normally
resident in Scotland, earning less than £22,000 and want to start
a new course of learning – part-time and flexible learning courses in particular.
Leisure courses will not qualify.
Details are available from the
College, or direct from ILA Scotland,
freephone 0808 100 1090.