The Scottish Government has announced students facing financial hardship due to the cost of living crisis and the upcoming energy price hike in April can now apply for more support.
This week, more than £5 million has been distributed to help Higher Education students in financial hardship with basics like heating and other household costs, part of a £37 million hardship funding provided by the Scottish Government since June 2021.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) will meet colleges’ Further Education student support funding requirements, and have also provided a further £6 million for financial support for FE students, in this academic year.
Higher and Further Education Minister Jamie Hepburn has written to college and university principals, asking them to encourage students most in need to apply and to prioritise allocation of funding.
Additional support for students includes:
- £350 loan uplift for 2022/23 in higher education - this means that the most disadvantaged students can access £8,100 per year through bursary and loan
- Introduction of a new 12 monthly payment option in 2022/23 for higher education students receiving the Care Experienced Bursary, so support is also available over the summer months
Commenting on the additional support, Mr Hepburn said: “Many students are facing higher energy bills and increased financial hardship as a result of the cost of living crisis.
“I have written to university and college principals asking them to ensure that discretionary funds remain accessible for students most in need and that in distributing funds, they should take account of the impact rising energy prices will be having on students, particularly those in private rented accommodation.
“I have also asked them to add students facing rising energy bills to the priority groups so they can access the funds. Students can also apply for support through the Fuel Insecurity Fund, which is distributed through third sector organisations.”
Students can find out about discretionary funds on their college or university website.
Further information on the funds can be found at:
- Extra financial support for students (discretionary funding)
- Discretionary Fund and Coronavirus Fund - SAAS
Get the latest money-saving and benefits news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our weekly Money newsletter here.
