Student Finance

Student Finance Scotland

Ben Maples  · Nov 29th 2021

The way finance works in Scotland is a little different to how the rest of the UK works. In many ways, Scotland has a similar finance sector to the rest of the UK, but they will differ on many different things.

Scotland Flag

Student finance in Scotland works a little differently than the rest of the UK as does student finance support Scotland, so check out our useful guide below.


Scottish university finance

How long are Scottish degrees?

Most Scottish degrees are around four years.

This is different from the rest of the UK and is something that can be disputed depending on the course you’re doing, but the average time is four years. A few universities will offer accelerated courses, which will accelerate your graduation by a year, so you end up graduating after 3 years.

Be sure to take all of your various funds and student bank accounts into account before you start making any big financial decisions.

Are degrees free in Scotland?

Degrees at Scottish universities are free to Scottish nationals. The government will foot the bill for the degree and won’t affect students, however, students non-Scottish nationals will have to pay the fees and will need to speak to Student Finance Scotland further and speak to them about Scotland student finance.

As said above, Scottish and EU nationals doing their first degree in Scotland will have to pay no money whatsoever. Those that are not entitled to a fee waiver, will have to pay somewhere between £1,500 and £2,000-a-year.

For those outside the EU or those that are in the rest of the UK, you will have to pay around £10,000-a-year and it can rise by £3,000 further for international students and has been known to reach £50,000.

You can also check out how much you have to pay by using a student finance calculator Scotland.


Scottish uni finance

Is the debt clearance figure in Scotland the same as the rest of the UK?

The years in the rest of the UK is between 25 and 30 years for students to have their unpaid debt cleared, however, in Scotland, the time is stretched to a period between 30 and 35 years.

What are the biggest costs for studying in Scotland?

Your money will be going on your student utility bills, your food and your transport. The cost of living will be the most expensive cost for you and it most certainly does not come cheap! Be sure to take all of your various funds and student bank accounts into account before you start making any big financial decisions.

Who are the SAAS?

The SAAS is the Scottish Awards Agency Scotland. These are the people that are in charge of the money that you will be spending when you’re at university and the like. The SAAS offer tuition fees for eligible students, regardless of their current financial situation.

You can speak to SAAS or you can find the Student Finance Scotland contact number and go from there, who will also offer you student finance advice as well as information regarding student finance Masters funding Scotland.

Student Finance Scotland contact number: 0300 555 0505

DSA applications are available and are there for the use of any additional helpers that you need and to cover any travel expenses that you may have, and specialist help if you can’t use public transport.

Student Finance Online

You can find out plenty about your student finance loan, by using your Student Finance Scotland login, which will work for you right the way up until your masters degree or any other postgraduate degrees that you might be looking at doing.

Your student finance login Scotland is very important, so make sure you make a note of it!

Can independent students apply for a maintenance loan?

Independent students can apply for a maintenance loan, but the figures will be drastically different, especially since the income will often be affected by the money that you have coming into the house. This isn’t necessarily true for all types of loan, but it will certainly be something you’ll need to keep in mind.


Scottish uni student finance

Can part-time students apply for a maintenance loan?

Get ready for the disappointment that only England football fans can get used to. No you can’t. The funding isn’t there for part-time students but there will be alternatives, but these will depend on the university you attend and the geographical location and will also depend on the household income, we recommend that you speak to your university or your Student Finance house.

Is there a lone parents’ fund for students in Scotland?

Yes, however, this is operated on a first-come-first-serve basis, so get your applications in ASAP!

Is there a disabled student’s allowance for students in Scotland?

DSA applications are available and are there for the use of any additional helpers that you need and to cover any travel expenses that you may have, and specialist help if you can’t use public transport.

Most Scottish degrees are around four years.

Is there an adult dependants’ grant for students in Scotland?

Yes, but only if you’re responsible for another adult that you live with.

Is there funding for nursing and midwifery courses for students in Scotland?

Yes, there is for a Nursing degree and a Midwifery degree. Funding is available in the form of a non-repayable bursary. This is obviously a really good thing to get a hold of if you can. There is a £60 fee for initial expenses and there is also maintenance support for any extenuating circumstances.

Scottish financial regulations for students is very different from the rest of the UK. As a result, you’ll need to keep abreast of the various legislation changes in the country and you’ll also want to speak to your university as well, they will be able to keep you in the loop of things that are happening and will let you know if they operate outside any of the nationwide legislation, although that is a little rare.

Good luck!

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