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 £40,000. Please see the following guide for further information:

Student funding guide

All students – part time, full time, further & higher education

Discretionary Funds

  • Primarily used for help with housing costs of full time students
  • Household income must be less than £40,000
  • Weekly expenditure must exceed weekly income
  • HE students must have taken out their maximum Student Loan
  • Other emergencies considered

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

Discretionary Further Information

Full time Further Education StudentsMaybe eligible for:Information Required:Documents Required:
Household income must be less than £40,000Up to a maximum of £80 per week towards housing costs if aged 21 or over
Household income < £40000 max £80 over £40000 no award
Other emergencies may be considered
Completed discretionary application
Residency
Household income
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 StudentsMay be eligible for:Information Required:Documents Required:
Household income must be less than £40,000Up to a maximum of £80 per week towards housing costs
Household income < £40000 max £80 over £40000 no award
Other emergencies may be considered
Completed discretionary application
Residency
Household income
Must have taken out maximum Student Loan
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 & Higher Education StudentsMay be eligible for:Information Required:Documents Required:
Household income must be less than £40,000Not eligible for help with housing costs
Other emergencies may be considered
Completed discretionary application
Residency
Household income
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


Contact Student Funding