Funding

We know that with good financial support each and every student can succeed.

The Care Experienced Student Bursary is now available for college and university students. It pays £9,000 per year to eligible students. How you apply and how often it is paid depends on whether you are at college or university. Have a look at our FAQs for more details:

For all college courses except HNCs/HNDs, please see our FE Bursary FAQs.
For all university courses and HNC/HND study at college, please see our HE Bursary FAQs.

Further information, including a details of the definition of ‘care experience’ that SAAS use, is available on their website.

If you are in any doubt about your status you should contact SAAS on 0300 555 0505. Still unclear? Contact the Hub here!

Extra financial support

If you are struggling financially or have fallen into debt, there are several types of support available:

Discretionary Funds

Most colleges and universities offer Discretionary Funds. These can help with:

Rent arrears
Utility bills
Food and living costs
Emergency or unexpected expenses

These funds do not usually need to be repaid. Your student funding or student support team can tell you how to apply.

Support from your university or college

Most institutions offer:

Money or welfare advice services
Budgeting support
Help accessing emergency funding
Referrals to specialist debt or housing advice
Referrals to crisis grants or food banks

If you’re unsure who to contact, the Hub can help point you in the right direction.

Individual university bursaries

Most universities have additional bursaries or grants that you can apply for in addition to the SAAS bursary.

See below for links to our partners’ information pages if you want to find out more about what is available from each one.

Heriot-Watt University: https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/student-support/care-leavers.htm

Edinburgh Napier University: Care experienced students, student carers and estranged students (napier.ac.uk)

The University of Edinburgh: Access Awards | The University of Edinburgh

Open University: http://www.open.ac.uk/scotland/study/care-experienced

Queen Margaret University: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/student-services/support-for-care-leavers/

Edinburgh College: Funding and Fees | Edinburgh College – Support with Costs http://doc.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/student%20life/funding/care%20experienced.pdf

Benefits for Students in Scotland

You may be eligible for support whilst you’re studying. Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has a comprehensive handbook outlining the circumstances where you would be eligible for Universal Credit whilst you study. Please note that it may be worth working alongside your college or university’s funding officer to assess your best options. Please get in touch if you need support.

CPAG Handbook 2025-26

Free debt advice and money support (Scotland)

There are several free, confidential services in Scotland that can help you manage debt and money worries:

Citizens Advice Scotland – independent advice on debt, benefits, housing, and money
PayPlan – free debt management support, including help with credit cards and other non-priority debts
Money Advice Scotland – information and access to local money advice services

These services will not judge you and will help you understand your options.

Payment plans

If you are behind on payments (for example, rent, council tax, or other bills), many organisations are willing to agree affordable payment plans. Your college or university support service can help you speak to creditors and work out what you can realistically afford. There are also debt management organsations that can combine any debt you have (like different credit cards or overdrafts) into one plan. Get in touch if you want to know more.

Other SAAS Funding Packages

If you are not eligible for the Care Experienced Student bursary you may still be eligible for SAAS’s package of tuition fee/loan/grant support. They have different packages for full-time and part-time study.

Get in touch with the Hub if you’d like us to help you explore your options!

Get in touch