Money & Funding

Yep, once again money comes into the old equation. If you are still at school and want to work, or are thinking of going off to college/uni then here's some money info just for you.

At School: Part-Time Work

If you are wanting to raise a bit of cash then a part-time job can be a handy thing. Until your school leaving date, you can work part-time on school days (not normally more than two hours per day).

During school holidays you can work for a total of 25 hours a week if you’re under 15, or 35 hours if you’re over 15, although there are rules made by each local council education department about the hours and type of work you can do - check before you start.

If you are still at school your employer will need an Employment Certificate for you. Once you have reached your school-leaving date these rules do not apply. However, there are some jobs people under 18 cannot legally do - e.g. work in a bar.

Free Courses

Learning can cost money. But did you know that some courses are free, depending on what you study and your circumstances. Full-time students aged 16-18 who study at a publicly funded school or college don't have to pay tuition fees. If you're any age and claim a benefit, or are reliant on somebody else who claims a benefit - e.g. mum/dad/relative, you may get your fees paid in full or in part.

Some courses are normally free to anyone: life skills, such a numeracy and literacy and English as a second language (ESOL).

Bursaries & Grants

At school: you may be able to get some financial help. Ask your guidance teacher or Careers Officer for your options - e.g. a High School bursary, contact details of a trust. Help with school clothing costs, fares and school meals should be applied for through your local council.

You may also be eligible for Educational Maintenance Allowance or EMA as it is known. EMA offers support to low-income familes, allowing pupils to remain in education.

At college: you might be able to apply for a bursary. A bursary is financial support that you don't have to pay back - i.e. it's not a loan. You need to ask your college to see what they have available and how you can apply.

Higher Education: for lots of information about grants, fees and loans in higher education, speak to your careers advisor or get in touch with the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).

Access Fund & Hardship Loans

Universities and colleges have a limited amount of money allocated by the government for Access Funds. This money is usually for students facing financial difficulty and it is up to the educational institution to decide who should receive payment. You can only apply through your university or college.

There is also a discretionary payment called a Hardship Loan which may help with living costs if you have money problems and have already applied for your Student Loan – ask a tutor or the student association for details.

Student Loans

Lots of students are increasingly turning to loans to help them financially through university or college. Student Loans are part of the Government's financial support package for students carrying out a course of Higher Education in the United Kingdom, and are available to help students meet their living costs.

To apply you need to wait until you are at college/university and you can pick up an application form then.

As with any other loan there is interest charged on the amount you borrow but it is less than what a bank or building society would charge you. You don't have to repay your loan until your income reaches a certain level, but beware as interest keeps being added until you pay it all back.

More...

Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) - If you want to apply for tuition fees, loan or grants for a higher education course call 0845 111 1711 or take a look at the SAAS website.

EMA - Visit the website to check eligibility and apply.

Last modified: 27/05/2010 17:09:08