Discretionary Funds
These are funds provided by the Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to assist students who may otherwise be prevented from commencing or continuing with their studies. Students would normally have already applied for Bursary / SAAS funding prior to applying to this ‘top up’ fund. These awards are subject to household means-testing – support cannot be offered where the household income exceeds £30,000. Please see the following guide for further information:
About discretionary funds
- Primarily used for help with housing costs of full time students
- Household income must be less than £30,000
- Weekly expenditure must exceed weekly income
- HE students must have taken out their maximum Student Loan
- Other emergencies considered
Student Funding Guide
Full Time Further Education Students
| Household income | Household income must be less than £30,000 |
| May be Eligible for | Up to a maximum of £50 per week towards housing costs if aged 21 or over Means testing: <£20,000 max £50 per week, £20,001 to £30,000 £25 per week, >£30,000 no award Other emergencies may be considered |
| Information Required | Completed discretionary application Residency Household income |
| Documents Required | Tenency or mortgage agreement in your own name or joint names Partner’s income details if applicable OR proof lone parent status Latest Inland Revenue Tax Credit Award OR Universal Credit Notice Proof of any Housing Benefit Council Tax bill |
Full Time Higher Education Students
| Household income | Household income must be less than £30,000 |
| May be Eligible for | Up to a maximum of £35 per week towards housing costs Means testing: <£20,000 max £35 per week, £20,001 to £30,000 £17.50 per week, >£30,000 no award Other emergencies may be considered |
| Information Required | Completed discretionary application Residency Household income Must have taken out maximum Student Loan |
| Documents Required | Tenancy or mortgage agreement in your own name or joint names SAAS Award Notice Partner’s income details if applicable OR proof lone parent status Latest Inland Revenue Tax Credit award Notice OR Universal Credit Notice Proof of any Housing Benefit Council Tax bill |
Part Time Further and Higher Education Students
| Household income | Household income must be less than £30,000 |
| May be Eligible for | Not eligible for help with housing costs Other emergencies may be considered |
| Information Required | Completed discretionary application Residency Household income |
| Documents Required | Evidence of emergency costs Partner’s income details if applicable OR proof of lone parent status Latest Inland Revenue Tax Credit Award Notice OR Universal Credit Notice |
How to apply
Full time students will be sent an email link once you have been offered a place on a course. Part time students should contact either a Student Adviser or a member of the Student Funding Team.