Funding & Fee Support

To be eligible for funding (including fee cover) you must be of compulsory school leaving age of 16 at the start date of your course or if you are 16 before the 28^th February following your start date of course you will have an entitlement to apply for funding.

The financial support you may get will depend on different things such as:

The financial support you are eligible for depends on your circumstances, some of the factors considered in the assessment are;

Residency – you must meet the current government criteria for residency i.e. where you were born, have and are living, etc.
How old you are
Financial circumstance i.e. household income, benefits claimed
The level of course you are going to study
If you are wanting to study full-time or part-time
If you have studied before and received funding over the age of 18 at the time

Please note that not everyone who applies for funding is eligible – there is no automatic entitlement, and you must submit an application and the relevant evidence to have an assessment carried out.

British Sign Language Videos

A series of new BSL videos that SAAS have produced are available on their website - click here to view!
These videos provide very important information on how to apply for SAAS funding and what different types of funding exist.

Part Time Courses

Fees

Students are responsible for payment of course fees, whether you are self-financing, your employer/sponsor is paying or you are applying to SAAS. The course information page shows the fees (including exam fees).   Some students may qualify for a part time fee grant from SAAS.  If you are on a low income or receive benefits, you may be eligible for a fee waiver, subject to fee waiver places available.

Courses with a fee under £200 - fees need to be paid in full.

Courses with a fee of over £200 - students can arrange a payment plan with Finance.  A minimum 25% deposit to be paid on enrolment, will 4 equal instalments. (this excludes commercial courses).

SAAS Part-time Fee Grant

Normally, students studying a part time course at SCQF level 7 and above may apply to SAAS for help with tuition fees. The support available will depend on how many credits you are studying. To be eligible you must be:

Studying an eligible part time higher education (HE) course for example, HNC/HND/Professional Graduate Diploma in Education or some Professional Development awards/SVQ3/SVQ4.

Studying a minimum 30 -119 SCQF credits (1 unit = 8 SCQF credits).

Have an income below £25,000 (before tax and national insurance).

Meet residency criteria:

3 years resident in the UK.

Resident in Scotland on 1 August 2021.

Non-UK or EU students must have ‘settled status’.

Not accessing other funding:

Full-time SAAS funding.

Training for Work.

Get Ready for Work.

Modern Apprenticeship Scheme.

You should apply for the SAAS Part Time Fee Grant (PTFG) on the SAAS website. You must apply no later than six months after your course starts.

What you should do now

Create an account on the SAAS website.

Complete all sections of the form.

Check that you:

Study an eligible course.

Meet the residence criteria.

Earn an average gross (before tax and National Insurance) income of £25,000 a year or less, including bonuses and overtime.

Submit and track your application through your SAAS account.

Fee Waiver

The college may offer a fee waiver on certain courses if you receive certain benefits or are on a low income, please see Fee Waiver Policy for eligibility, please submit document evidence to feewaiver@wcs.ac.uk

Employer Paying

If you employer has agreed to pay your fees, please submit a company letter or official Purchase Order from your employer to sales.ledger@wcs.ac.uk to allow the college to send the invoice direct to them, students remain liable until all fees are paid.

Please refer to our Fee Policy.

To be treated as a Scottish home student you must meet all of the following three conditions:

Be ordinarily resident in Scotland on the relevant date; AND

Have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period of 3 years immediately preceding the relevant date; AND

(i) Be settled in the United Kingdom within the meaning given by section 33(2A) of the Immigration Act 1971 on the relevant date (for example, be a UK national or otherwise have a right to stay in the UK without time restriction, for example ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’); OR

(ii) Be- a person (other than a person who has applied for refugee status) who has been informed in writing by a person acting under the authority of the Secretary of State for the Home Department that they have been granted leave to enter or remain in the UK and whose leave has not expired, or

(iii) The spouse, civil partner or child of a person described in (i) or (ii). If the student meets all of the conditions set out above, they may be considered to be eligible for a fee waiver and student support.

If you don't meet all of the three conditions, you may still be eligible for some elements of support if you meet the requirements of one of the other UK residency categories listed:

You're an EU national, or family member of an EU national with settled/pre settled status and have lived in the UK for more than 3 years.

You're a refugee.

You're under humanitarian protection (as a result of a failed application for Asylum).

You're a migrant worker.

You're a child of a Swiss national; or

You're a child of a Turkish worker.

You're a Syrian Refugee (VPRS).

Children of asylum seekers or young asylum seekers are eligible for full time fee waiver only. The criteria for access to a fee waiver is now: • A child or an asylum seeker or young asylum seeker • Resident in Scotland on the relevant date • Under 18 years of age on the date that the application for asylum was made

You must also normally be living in Scotland on the first day of the first academic year of the course.

If you do not meet the residency criteria you will be liable to pay the college tuition fee and you are advised to contact the Finance team sales.ledger@wcs.ac.uk to find out what level of fee will apply.

EU Students who do not have settled/pre-settled status

Now that the UK has left the European Union (EU), students from the EU who do not have settled/pre-settled status will no longer be eligible to claim home fee status in relation to tuition fees.

Please refer to our Fee Policy

Bursary/Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Bursary and EMA support may be available for full time NC level courses.

Bursary and EMA is included in the one application. Students under the age of 18 on the start date of their course will be assessed for EMA, which is currently awarded at £30 per week depending on household income.

Students aged 18 and over at the start date of the course will be assessed for a Bursary Maintenance Allowance which is awarded depending on household income. Examples of current rates are as follows:

Parentally Supported - £99.35 per week
Self-Supporting - £125.55 per week
Care Experienced - £225 per week
Students remaining on Universal Credit - £28 per week

In addition to maintenance allowance students may also qualify for study expenses and/or travelling expenses which will be assessed at time of application assessment. A maximum of £60 per week travel is available depending on mileage from campus to home. Students must live over 2 miles walking distance from their campus to be eligible for travel funds.

Led by the Scottish Government, young people in Scotland aged under 22 years old are entitled to free bus travel. To access the scheme, you must apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC). Further information and how to apply can be found at https://www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/young-persons-free-bus-travel-scheme .

Further expenses for those students with additional support needs may also be available upon request.

Accommodation/Discretionary Fund

This assistance from the Discretionary Fund is intended to aid those students who are responsible for the mortgage or rental cost of the property they reside in whilst studying.

Students studying at both FE and HE level courses can apply.
Responsible student must be named on the mortgage or tenancy agreement for the property.
All household income is taken into consideration when assessing eligibility for this fund. Students that have a household income above £34,000 will not be considered.
Students who claim housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit will not be eligible.
HN level students must be awarded all funding they are eligible for from SAAS to be eligible.
£60 per week maximum allowance will be awarded to eligible students.

Childcare Fund

Students who require assistance with childcare costs to allow them to attend college can apply to the Childcare Fund for support.

Childcare costs can only be paid to registered childcare providers.
All household income is taken into consideration when assessing eligibility for this fund. Students that have a household income above £34,000 will not be considered.
The fund can only cover childcare costs for the days students are timetabled to attend college and course placement days.
The maximum allowance that will be paid for the academic year per student is £7,000. The maximum allowance is not per child.
Only those students who qualify for bursary support at FE level and students at HE level who qualify for funding from SAAS/SLC can apply to the Childcare Fund for support.

Payments are made directly to your childcare provider every fortnight, in arrears, provided you have met the minimum requirements of satisfactory attendance, conduct and full engagement on your course in each week. The expectation is that you will attend all your timetabled classes and use where necessary the procedure to cover any absences you may have had. Unsatisfactory reports will result in non-payment of funds for the period reviewed. Part payment for part engagement of any week will not be made.

Part-time Study

Students studying part time ESOL may apply for assistance with travel and childcare costs if eligibility criteria is met. Please see HERE for information on part time course fees.

How to Apply?

Once you have accepted a place on a course you will receive an email to activate your student funding account where you can apply for all funds through the online application system.

ALL students studying a full-time NC or equivalent course must complete an application in order to have their course fees paid. Any students who have not completed an application will be issued an invoice to pay the full course costs. All students studying HNC/HND level must apply to SAAS for their fees, bursary and loan. The application sent to HN level students is for Childcare and Accommodation funding only.

When completing the application students must upload the requested evidence. Pictures of documents uploaded from a mobile phone/tablet device can be accepted providing the image is clear to allow the information to be read in full.

If you require help with applying online our funding team are fully accessible through email and telephone for the full duration of our opening hours as stated below. On-campus assistance is offered to students from the Student Advisory Teams for advice and applications. They are situated next to the main reception areas of each of our campuses.

Email – studentfunding@wcs.ac.uk
Phone - 01475 553150
Open Monday to Thursday 9am – 4.45pm, Friday 9am – 3.15pm

Important Information

College administered funding is assessed and processed through the Student Funding Department here at West College Scotland at both non-advanced (FE) and advanced (HE) levels. HE college administered funding only includes childcare and accommodation assistance.

Funding is an allowance requiring satisfactory attendance, conduct and full engagement on your course in each week. The expectation is that you will attend all your timetabled classes and use where necessary the college attendance procedure to cover any absences you may have had. Unsatisfactory reports will result in non-payment of funds for the period reviewed.

Funds are assessed following Scottish Funding Council policy criteria. Anyone who satisfies the residential requirements can apply for funding. In most cases, if you have been ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years and are resident in Scotland on the date your course starts, you are likely to be eligible. There are a number of special cases in relation to residency requirements that may need further clarity of eligibility. Students who are not eligible to have their fees paid should make direct contact with the College Finance Department to ensure alternative arrangements are put in place prior to starting their course.

All funds will close for applications by the 13^th March 2026, or sooner should funds be fully allocated. All students studying a full-time NC or equivalent course must complete an application in order to have the course fees paid. Any students who have not completed an application will be issued an invoice to pay the full course costs.

Funding is cash limited and awarded on a first come first served basis, therefore students should not delay when applying or uploading the required evidence.

Students will have a maximum of 6 weeks from the date they start their course to apply and submit all required evidence in order to have their funding backdated. Applications submitted after the 6 weeks will be assessed from the date the fully completed application and final required evidence is received. This is in accordance with the Scottish Funding Council policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a computer to apply online?

Please contact the Student Services Team at your chosen campus who will advise you further on the process.

Can I apply for funding before I accept a place on a course?

No, only once you have been offered a place on a course and you have accepted it, an email will be generated and sent to your email address that you supplied when you submitted your online course application

What information do I need to activate my account?

You will need your student reference number which will be detailed on the top of your invite to apply for funding email and on any other correspondence from the college. This is your student matriculation number. Once you have activated your account the student reference number will be your username

Do I need a username?

Yes, this will be the student number detailed on all correspondence from the College and will be detailed at the top of your invite to apply for funding email.

What information do I need to activate my account?

You will need your student reference number which will be detailed on the top of your invite to apply for funding email and on any other correspondence from the college. This is your student matriculation number. Once you have activated your account the student reference number will be your username.

Do I need a password?

Yes, you will be prompted to create a password at least 8 characters in length, which must contain a capital letter and a number (please keep a note of these details).

What information do I need to complete my application?

If you are applying for EMA, BURSARY or ACCOMMODATION funds you will need details of your household income and your Bank Account Number and Sort Code.

If you are applying for CHILDCARE, we also require the name and address of your childcare provider.

How do I know what evidence is required?

A list of evidence required will be shown on your application as you are completing it and after you submit. If you are unable to provide a piece of evidence when completing the application, you can click the ‘unable to upload’ option, this will allow you to submit the application. You will then be able to upload the evidence later.

How do I upload the evidence?

Each evidence section has an ‘upload’ button to allow you to add the evidence to your application. We can accept pictures of documents uploaded from a mobile phone/tablet device providing the image is clear to allow the information to be read in full.

What if I am unable to upload documents?

If you are unable to upload any of the evidence requested, please contact the Student Funding Department who can advise on other evidence that may be accepted.

Can I check the progress of my application?

Yes, you can log back in to your account at any time to check on your application and see if the evidence uploaded has been accepted. You can also use the Communication tab to send us an email.

When will I receive my student funding award?

You should receive your award within 4/6 weeks from the date you applied with all the required evidence. If you uploaded the evidence later than the application, it could take 4/6 weeks from when you uploaded the last evidence. Length of waiting time will be dependent on the volume of applications we have and if during our busiest times, this may take longer.

How will I receive my award?

You will receive your award by email. Payment will be made on the dates stated on your Payment Schedule providing you have met the minimum requirements.

What if I do not agree with the funding I have been awarded?

Should you disagree with any decision made with your funding award you can appeal against this within 1 calendar month from the date of your award by stating clearly your reasons for appeal and supply any supporting evidence which you feel may be relevant to your case. You should make your first stage of appeal to the Student Funding Team Leaders by emailing student.funding@wcs.ac.uk and your case will be reviewed. You will be advised of the outcome of your appeal by email within 14 days.

If you still disagree with the decision of your award after the first stage appeal, then you may appeal a final second time. You will be required to submit your appeal to Ann Rankin, Student Funding Manager with further explanation and supporting evidence to aid your case by emailing student.funding@wcs.ac.uk . This must be done no later than 7 days from the date of your first stage appeal response. Any appeals received out-with the stated deadlines will be disregarded.

I currently have a childcare provider can I continue to use this facility?

Yes, please provide name and address of your childcare provider in the childcare section of your application, provided they are approved by the Care Commission. There is also a Childcare Statement of Hours form on the application that is to be completed by your childcare provider.

If there is a delay in my application, will I receive the funding from the date I started the course?

Students will have a maximum of 6 weeks from the date they start their course to apply and submit all required evidence in order to have their award backdated. Applications/evidence submitted after the 6 weeks will be assessed on the date the fully completed application and final required evidence was received. This is in accordance with Scottish Funding Council Policies for funding.

Useful Guides and Information

Our latest policy documents can be found here

Household Income	Bursary	Student Loan	Special Support Loan	Total
£0-£20,999	£2,000	£7,000	£2,400	£11,400
£21,000-£23,999	£1,125	£7,000	£2,400	£10,525
£24,000-£33,999	£500	£7,000	£2,400	£9,900
£34,000 and above	£0	£6,000	£2,400	£8,400

Household Income	Bursary	Student Loan	Special Support Loan	Total
£0-£20,999	£1,000	£8,000	£2,400	£11,400
£21,000-£23,999	£0	£8,000	£2,400	£10,400
£24,000-£33,999	£0	£7,500	£2,400	£9,900
£34,000 and above	£0	£6,000	£2,400	£8,400

Funding & Fee Support

Funding Options:

College Administered Funding

HNC/HND/Degree Course Funding

International Students

Rest of UK (RUK) Students

Part Time Courses

Residency

Further Education Bursary