Funding Guide
We have a number of different funds available to support students through their course.
Please apply for your funding before you start your course - your application can only be processed after you have submitted the correct supporting documentation.
Everyone's situation is different so if you read the information below and you're still unsure what you might be eligible for, please have a chat with your local centre team. Let them know about your circumstances, and they will point you in the right direction.
Course fees are explained in the Fees and Funding Guide.
If you have not completed your funding application before your course starts, make sure you do within six weeks of the start date so that your payments are backdated to the beginning - otherwise your payments will only be backdated to the date you provided the final correct evidence needed to process your application.
At busy times (like July to September) it can take up to 4 weeks to process the application. You can track the progress of your application on the Student Hub.
Please contact ACStudentSupport@uhi.ac.uk if you need any help throughout this process.
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) 2024/25
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) 2024/25
If you are under 18 you may be eligible for EMA
EMA is a weekly payment of £30, paid two weeks in arrears. You must be 16 years of age on 30 September 2024 to be eligible to apply for funding. If you turn 16 between 1 October 2024 and 29 February 2025 then you can apply for funding from January 2025.
All students under the age of 22 should use their National Entitlement Card (NEC) for free bus travel. Travel may be paid in some circumstances if bus travel is not possible.
Students who are not eligible for EMA maintenance payments due to the level of household income may still be eligible for travel assistance.
Bursaries - Further Education full-time courses
Bursaries - Further Education full-time courses
If you are 18 years of age or over on the official start day of your course, and will be studying a full-time further education course, you may be eligible for Bursary funding.
The Bursary, including travel, is means-tested and any award will depend on your household income.
Our bursary fund is limited and is allocated on a "first come, first served" basis so it’s important to make your application for bursary as soon as you’ve accepted our offer of a place.
Discretionary (or Hardship) funds
Discretionary (or Hardship) funds
Discretionary Fund (sometimes known as Hardship Fund) is available to both Further Education and Higher Education students
If you are finding it difficult to make ends meet, you may be eligible for help from these funds. These funds are usually paid to students on a fortnightly basis. We can also make one-off payments.
Our Discretionary Fund is limited and is allocated on a "first come, first served" basis.
Childcare funds
Childcare funds
Childcare funds are also available to students studying at Further Education level or Higher Education level who require assistance with childcare costs. Please note that only registered childcare providers can be used.
Our Childcare fund is limited and is allocated on a "first come, first served" basis.
Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding
Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding
For Higher Education students - ie courses at SCQF Level 7 and above
Full-time students should apply for funding through SAAS at saas.gov.uk
Part-time students may be eligible to apply for a SAAS Part-time fee grant. Further information is available on the SAAS website.
Student Loans - Higher Education full time courses
Student Loans - Higher Education full time courses
Funding applications for students studying at Higher Education level (HNC and above) should be made at saas.gov.uk
See more information about HE funding and tuition fees