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MONEY MATTERS Funding for study and training is complicated and can change on an annual basis. This section looks at some of the funding methods available but you should always check how you are placed. The ‘Funding for Learners’ section on the Scottish Executive website is a useful place to start www.scotland.gov.uk/fundingforlearners (external link). College Bursaries  For full-time National Certificate (NC), Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), Access and some introductory courses – contact your local college.
Borders College will waive tuition fees for those recently unemployed, redundant or under threat of redundancy. Assistance with travel may also be available.
Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs)is a scheme that could contribute up to £200 a year towards a learning experience of your choice. For further information, including eligibility criteria, visit www.ilascotland.org.uk or call the ILA Scotland helpline on 0808 100 1090
Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS)deal with financial support and give advice to eligible Scottish students in higher education throughout the United Kingdom. This includes student loans, tuition fees and hardship funds.
For more information call 0845 111 1711 or see www.saas.gov.uk
Student Loansare the main support for living costs for students studying at HNC level and above. The loan is income-assessed, so how much you might get depends on your income, your parents’ income, your spouse’s income and where you live. Repayments start when you finish your course and when you are earning £15,000 a year or more. You should apply to the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) who will process your tuition fees and student loan at the same time. Visit the SAAS website www.saas.gov.uk to fill-in your application on-line. SAAS will send your application to the Student Loans Company who will process and pay your loan.
Part-time StudyingIf you are out of work and studying part time you may still qualify for Jobseekers allowance as long as your course is less than 21 hours a week and you can show that you are still available for work. Discuss this and how any other payments you receive may affect your benefits at you local Jobcentre Plus office.
Tax Credits - Child tax Credit
These are available from the Inland Revenue for students with dependant children.
- Working Tax Credits
are designed to make work pay for those on lower incomes and may therefore be available to students who work more than sixteen hours a week.
For information on both schemes visit www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/taxcredits or call 0800 500222.
Learndirect ScotlandTel: 0808 100 9000 or visit Learndirect Scotland’s website www.learndirectscotland.com to find out what funding options are available for your learning needs.
Career Development Loansif you cannot get funding from SAAS or any other public funding you may be able to apply for a Careers Development Loan (CDL). These are managed in partnership with a number of high street banks and can be used to support any type of part-time or distance learning course subject to certain criteria being met.
For further information about CDLs, phone the CDL helpline on 0800 585 505 or, visit www.lifelonglearning.co.uk for further information
Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)See ‘Part-time Studying’ above
HotcoursesThe Hot courses website provides an overview of funding options available to UK students and potential students. To view some sections of the site you need to register your name and email details. In addition to funding, this website contains a searchable database of educational opportunities across the UK
www.hotcourses.com
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