To help learners, family members and those providing support to learners we have brought together a number of sources of help and information. Just click on the headings for more information.
Charities, Trust Funds and Scholarships
There are a large number of other sources of funding available to learners. A list of the key sources of information to help you find these alternative sources of funding is given here The awards made by each of these sources are however usually extremely limited in number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions that our helpline advisors are asked.
Click here to find out more.
Glossary
Some of the words and phrases used in the information about funding have very specific meanings. We have created this list to help you understand what these terms mean.
Discretionary Funds
Each college and university has a Discretionary Fund to enable them to assist eligible learners who have particular financial difficulties or emergency needs. To find out more about Discretionary funds click here.
Learners with additional support needs
If you are a learner who has additional or special needs there are a range of funding options aimed at providing the additional support you may need to study effectively.
Residency Criteria
Some of the sources of funding require you to meet certain residency requirements. If you have not lived outside the UK, apart from temporary or occasional absences you are likely to meet the residency eligibility conditions. However for certain learners their residency status is not clear and our residency overview aims to help you get the most out of your contact with college and university advisers.
Publications
Leaflets and fact sheets available on learner funding.
Studying whilst on Benefits
If you are concerned about how study might affect your benefits then this on-line handbook can help.
Useful Contacts
To help you find the right person or organisation to speak to we have created a list of useful contacts. This includes bursary officers at colleges, the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, local authorities and other funding agencies.