Students on Higher Education (HE) Courses

This page is for those studying or aiming to study Level 7 or above courses on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

More information on qualification levels.

Students on HE Advanced Courses – Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) – should apply directly to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for tuition fees, bursary support for young and independent students, student loans and any supplementary grants. Apply online at www.saas.gov.uk

Guide to full-time funding: www.saas.gov.uk/guides/funding-guide

You should apply as soon as you receive an unconditional or conditional offer of a place on a course.

Those on part-time Higher National courses may apply to SAAS for the Part-time Fee Grant or to Skills Development Scotland for an SDS Individual Training Account, depending on the number of credits you are doing.

Tuition fees

All HNC/HND students need to pay tuition fees for their course and must apply to SAAS to have them paid direct to the college. If you do not apply for your fees, or if you are a self-financing student, the college will invoice you directly. You should bring your SAAS award notice to the college for copying.

Maintenance

The full student loan is a means-tested award.

Evidence of parental income is needed for all students under 25 who are not self-supporting.
Independent students need to submit details of their own/partner’s income.
Students who do not apply for the maximum means-tested loan are not eligible for support from the college discretionary fund.
There are extra grants for lone parents, those with dependents and care leavers.

You should make sure that you apply for all grants relevant to your personal circumstances.