Funding and Fees FAQs
When you are considering studying at Edinburgh College, one of the most critical issues to consider is funding and how you intend to pay for some of the costs that come with being a student.
Funding and Fees FAQs
In general, students do not pay fees for full-time National Qualification (NQ) level courses. If you are studying an advanced level course such as an HNC, the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) will pay fees directly to the College for eligible students. Visit www.saas.gov.uk for more information.
A Bursary/Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is generally for help towards living, travel and essential equipment/book costs for students studying a non-advanced course (NQ, Intermediate1/2 and equivalent). Awards are means tested and the amount you receive will depend on your personal circumstances.
For an advanced level course, such as an HNC, most students will apply through the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for tuition fees, student loan or other allowances, depending on your circumstances.
You should apply for funding immediately after you have accepted your course offer and received your invitation email with the link to the funding application system. Please note that funding applications usually open at the beginning of May. It is important that you have arranged funding before starting a course at Edinburgh College. Applying for funding close to your course start date can cause delays.
If you have been offered and accepted a place on a full-time NQ or equivalent-level course, you need to complete the online Bursary/EMA application in your online account and submit it (and the appropriate evidence) to us as soon as possible.
For HNC or HND students, SAAS generally aim to have your funding in place for the start of term if you have submitted your application (with all required evidence) by the end of June.
Provided you give us the correct information and evidence, we aim to process applications within 28 days. Students are advised that at peak application times these targets are not guaranteed.
For HNC and HND students, The Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) takes up to six weeks to process funding applications (depending on the time you apply). If you do not provide the documents and/or evidence required, it will take longer to process.
Everyone has different personal circumstances, and the amount you receive will depend on this. EMAs are £30 per week; the maximum bursary is either £99.35 or £125.55 per week (depending on circumstances), plus any eligible travel and course expenses.
For HNC and HND students, the maximum student loan package is £10,400 per year. The College expects you to have made arrangements to support yourself for the first few weeks of the course and to take all reasonable steps to bridge gaps in your income, for example, by finding part-time employment.
Bursaries/EMAs are always paid directly into your bank account, fortnightly in arrears; payments are dependent on your attendance at college.
For HNC and HND students, student loans from SAAS are paid monthly.
You may be offered fee remission if you receive certain benefits or have an income at the same level as benefits (proof will be required e.g. payslips). You may also qualify for support from other funds (see below)
Eligible students may apply online to the College Childcare Fund for help towards registered childcare. The fund is means tested, so depending on your circumstances, we may pay for some or all of your registered childcare.
The College has additional Discretionary Funds to help students experiencing financial difficulties as a result of attending college. The College expects you to have made arrangements to support yourself for the first few weeks of the course and to take all reasonable steps to bridge gaps in your income, for example, by finding part-time employment.
If you receive benefits and plan to study full-time, you should check how your payments might be affected before enrolling at college. Talk to your local benefits office before you apply for a course.
Many students find that they need to work part-time while studying at college. We can support you to find work. Vacancies are displayed on our student portal via our JobZone website. Once you are enrolled as a student you can access this information.
If you run into money problems once you've started your course, don't keep it to yourself. Talk to us as soon as you can. There may be additional funding you can apply for through the Discretionary Fund.
Don’t let financial worries get in the way of your studies. We can give you practical, confidential advice on your situation and help you to start sorting the problems out. The Student Services team on each of the college campuses will be happy to assist you with any queries you may have. Remember, we’re here to help you.
The Money Advice Service offers free, impartial money advice to help you make choices throughout your life, whatever your circumstances. If you would like advice on any financial matters or find out more visit the Money Helper website.
