Support For Students in Scotland

Students who live and study in Scotland receive a lot of support to study in higher education. The Student Awards Agency For Scotland pays up to £1,200 to cover tuition fees. This applies to students who have not previously undertaken a higher education course. Students who have studied in higher education before may be eligible to receive the difference between the £1,200 grant and any higher tuition fee.

Students also need to fund maintenance costs. These are expenses for living, traveling and going out. To do this, they can apply for a student loan. Again, students need to be residents of Scotland or studying in a Scottish higher education institution. They also need to be under 50 or aged 50 to 54 and be planning on returning to work.

Making Student Loan Applications

Students can apply for the loan online at the same time as they apply for support with tuition fees and other grants. Part of this is income assessed and part is non-income assessed. When applying for student loans, students need to supply certain information to the Student Awards Agency For Scotland. This includes:

Once the forms have been filled in, students' applications are assessed and they receive notice of the amount of loan they have been awarded. This is paid into their bank account in installments, which are explained in the award letter.

Loan amounts depend on the course students are taking, where they live while they are studying and the amount of their, their parents', or their spouse's income. For example, students who study in London usually receive more financial support than those who study outside London. The same is true of students living in London, who receive a higher loan amount than those living outside London. This is because of the higher cost of living in London.

In addition, students who are supported by their parents will receive a lower loan amount than those who support themselves ore are from low-income families. Finally, students who live in student or other accommodation will receive a higher student loan amount than those who live at home. Students who don't want to give income details may apply for the minimum loan amount or the non-assessed portion of the grant.

Additional Student Support

Students with disabilities, students with young children and students with adult dependents may be eligible to receive additional support through supplementary grants such as the Dependants' Grant, Lone Parents' Grant and Disabled Students' Allowance.

Making Student Loan Repayments

Student loan repayments usually begin in the tax year following completion of the university course. Interest on the loan is linked to the rate of inflation and retail price index. Repayments are made at 9% of the former students' salaries, provided they are earning more than £15,000 a year.