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MONEY ALWAYS MATTERS!

A Guide to Student Funding

Get your funding applied for as soon as possible.

Student Funding 25/26 Applications are Now Open

Now that you've accepted your place at Fife College, it's time to apply for your funding!

Our Student Funding team are here to help guide you through the process.

You need to apply each year through the Student Funding online application system.

If you are studying an FE level course (SCQF level 6 or below) you can apply for Living costs (EMA/Bursary), assistance with Rent/Mortgage Interest costs and assistance towards Childcare fees. We will automatically send you an email with a link to apply if you have accepted an offer on a course. Please keep an eye on your junk/spam folder as it might go in there. 

If you are studying an HE level course (SCQF Level 7 and above), you need to apply to SAAS for your tuition fees, Living costs and Student Loan. You will also be sent an email from Fife College containing the link to apply for assistance with Rent/Mortgage Interest costs and assistance towards Childcare costs should you require them.

Money and funding are major considerations for most students, so it’s important to know about the different types of funding support available to you whilst studying at Fife College.

These step-by-step guides will help you support your financial needs during your studies to help cover living expenses, travel, childcare and even help with your housing costs.

We’ve included some information for you on the different kinds of funding support available. 

Residency Requirements 

Most Scottish students who live in Scotland and want to study a further education (FE) or higher education (HE) course at a Scottish college are likely to be eligible for bursary support, subject to meeting other criteria such as rules regarding previous study.

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

  • You normally live in Scotland on the first day of the first academic year of the course (usually 1st August); and 
  • You've been living in the UK for 3 years before starting your course; and 
  • You're a UK national or have 'settled status' (no restrictions on how long you can stay). 

If you are from the rest of the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the islands), unless you can show that you meet all of the above residence conditions and are not here for the purposes of education, you should consult the appropriate funding body in the relevant part of the UK and islands to see if any student support is available for you to study in Scotland. 

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, namely: 

  • You're an EU national, or family member of an EU national with settled/pre-settled status
  • 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). 
  • You also must 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 student services to find out what level of fee will apply.

You can find out more information on residency on the SAAS website. 

Related information

Ukraine Scheme

Non UK National Applicants

EU Settlement Scheme

International Applicants

Further Education Students

If you are:

  • Under 18 years of age on the start date of the course, and

  • Living with parents or legal guardians, and

  • Have no dependent children, and

  • Are not care-experienced

then you should apply for an Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

If the student is awarded an EMA, they will be eligible for £30 per week, which is paid into their chosen bank account, one week in arrears.

Students may also be eligible for EMA if they are studying a non-advanced part-time course – contact the Student Funding team to learn more.

If the student is 15 at the start of their course, they may still be eligible for EMA, providing their 16th birthday is before 1st October.

  • If their birthday falls between 1st October and 28th February, they can still apply, but payments would not start until the first payment week after the Christmas holidays.

If the student is in receipt of EMA and turns 18 during their course, they will remain on EMA for the duration of that course.

EMA is not paid for any of the short holidays:

  • October break

  • Christmas

  • Inter-semester week in January

  • Easter

Please take this into consideration and budget accordingly.

The student’s EMA is calculated based on the household income of their parent or legal guardian.

Parent/Guardian’s

Household Income

Number of Dependent Children in the Household

 

Weekly Payment

£24,421 or less

Student only

£30.00

£24,422 to £26,884

Student + brother/sister

£30.00

£26,885 or above

Not Applicable

Nil

Basic Evidence required

  • ID for student – Birth Certificate, Passport, Driving License, MyFife Card, NHS Medical Card

  • Proof of your address – Official letter addressed to student dated within the last three months (cannot be from Fife College)

  • Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s)

    • P60 covering April 2024 – March 2025

    • Council Tax Notification 2025 (if parent is a single person)

    • Tax Credit Award – For year 2025/2026, please send all pages

  • ID of sisters and/or brothers – Birth Certificate, Passport, Driving License, NHS Medical Card, or MyFife Card

  • Child Benefit Award Letter – All pages

We may ask for additional evidence depending on your circumstances.

If you are:

  • Between 18 and 24 years of age on the start date of the course, and

  • Not living with a partner, and

  • Do not have any dependent children, and

  • Have not supported yourself financially for 3 full years, and

  • Are not currently on benefits, and

  • Are not care-experienced

then you should apply for a Parentally Supported Bursary.

Your bursary will be assessed on gross parental income earned in the previous tax year (2024–2025).

If you have any brothers or sisters in your household who are under 5 or in full-time education, we take this into consideration when assessing your award.

The maximum you can be awarded is:

Staying at Parental Home

Maximum £99.35 per week

Away from Parental Home

Maximum £125.55 per week

Basic Evidence Required

  • ID for student – Birth Certificate, Passport, Driving License, MyFife Card, NHS Medical Card

  • Proof of your address – Official letter addressed to the student dated within the last three months (cannot be from Fife College)

  • Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s):

    • Benefit letter or screenshot of most recently received Universal Credit award showing name, address, and all elements awarded (including deductions), along with a screenshot of the list of monthly statements

    • P60 covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of income from self-employment

    • Council Tax Notification 2025 (if parent is a single person)

    • Tax Credit Award for year 2024/2025 – please send all pages

  • ID of sisters and/or brothers – Birth Certificate, Passport, Driving License, NHS Medical Card, or MyFife Card

  • Child Benefit Award Letter – All pages

We may ask for additional evidence depending on your circumstances.

If you think you may be eligible for a Self-Supporting Bursary, you can find out more from our Self-Supporting Bursary section.

Travel Expenses

For more information on travel expenses, please check out our Travel Expenses section.

If you are not yet 25 years old, your parent(s)/guardian(s) income will not be taken into consideration and you will be awarded independently, only if any one of the following applies:

  • Between 18 and 24 years of age on the start date of the course and

    • Are married or in a civil partnership (this does not include situations where the student was married but the marriage broke down prior to the start date of the course)

    • Have no living parents

    • Are caring for a child dependent on you

    • You have supported yourself for a period no less than 3 years (156 weeks) since leaving school (you cannot include any time in full-time education).

      • Students must show evidence of this (e.g. P60s, wage slips that cover the full period, benefit award letters).

      • Students do not need to be living away from the parental home for this period.

This includes periods where the individual was either:

  • In employment and earning equal to or more than current income support levels

  • Supported by a partner with earnings equal to or more than current income support levels

  • On a training programme operated by or on behalf of the Scottish Government or Skills Development Scotland (SDS)

  • In receipt of:

    • Unemployment benefit / Jobseeker’s Allowance

    • Employment and Support Allowance

    • Sickness Benefit

    • Invalidity Pension

    • Incapacity Benefit

    • Maternity Allowance

    • Severe Disablement Allowance

    • Statutory Sick Pay

    • Statutory Maternity Pay

    • Income Support

    • Universal Credit

  • Living away from the parental home and can provide a copy of a formal rent agreement for the relevant period

  • In receipt of housing benefit for the relevant period

  • Caring for a person (adult or child) dependent on them – the college should look for evidence that the student has been the primary carer for an adult

OR

  • Estranged from their parents and can provide proof of this

Then you should apply for an Under 25 Self-Supported Bursary.

Self-Supporting Bursary

The maximum you can be awarded is: £125.55 per week

Basic Evidence Required

  • ID – Birth Certificate, Passport, Driving Licence, MyFife card, NHS Medical Card

  • Proof of your address – Official letter addressed to the student (cannot be from Fife College)

  • 3 years proof of self-supporting – P60s showing earnings of over £4,000 per year, benefit claim in your own name, and/or tenancy agreement in your own name

  • Proof of established relationship – Marriage Certificate, Civil Partnership Certificate, Joint Benefit Claim, or Joint Council Tax Notification 2025

  • Partner’s income evidence – Partner’s P60 covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of their income from Self-Employment

  • Benefit documentation – Benefit Letter or screenshot of the most recently received Universal Credit award showing name, address, and all elements awarded (including deductions), along with a screenshot of the list of monthly statements

  • Council Tax Notification 2025 – Required if single person. If living with parents, provide parents’ Council Tax Notification 2025 and a written statement from them confirming you live at their property

  • Tax Credit Award – For the year 2025/2026, please ensure all pages are submitted

  • ID of Dependent Children – Birth Certificates, Passport, Driving Licence, NHS Medical Card, or MyFife card

  • Child Benefit Award Letter

We may request additional evidence depending on your circumstances.

Note: Periods where you have been in full-time education cannot be considered when proving self-supporting status.

Travel Expenses

For more information on travel expenses, please visit our Travel section.

If you are:

  • 25 years of age or over on the start date of the course

  • Not currently on benefits

  • Not care experienced

then you should apply for an Over 25 Bursary.

If you have a spouse/partner, your bursary will be assessed on their gross income from the tax year 2024/2025.

Any award is based on your personal circumstances, including any children dependent on you and any unearned income you receive.

The maximum you can be awarded is:

Bursary 25 & over

Maximum £125.55 per week

If you are in receipt of Universal Credit, please read the Universal Credit section.

Basic Evidence Required

ID for student – Birth Certificate, Passport, Driving licence, MyFife card, NHS medical card.

Proof of your address – Official letter addressed to student dated within the last three months (cannot be from Fife College)

Tax Credit Award – For year 2024/2025 please make sure to send all pages.

Partner’s P60 Covering April 2024 – March 2025 or proof of their income from Self-Employment (SA 302 from HMRC)

Council Tax Notification 2025 - If single person (if living with parents, we require your parent’s Council Tax Notification 2025 along with a written statement from them confirming you live in their property)

Benefit Letter/screen shot of most recently received Universal Credit award showing Name, Address and all elements awarded (this includes deductions) along with a screenshot of the list of monthly statements.

ID of Dependent children – Birth certificates, Passport, Driving licence, NHS medical Card or MyFife card

We may ask for additional evidence depending on your circumstances.

Travel Expenses

For more information on travel expenses, please check out our Travel section.

Students Currently Receiving Universal Credit

It is your responsibility to inform Universal Credit (UC) when you start college. 

You must report any changes in your circumstances, including commencing full-time education, through your online account or by contacting them. Failing to do so can lead to overpayments and the need to repay those amounts. 

Under no circumstances should you ask The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to close your Universal Credit claim

You can remain on Universal Credit while studying if:

  • You are responsible for a child

  • You are ill/disabled. You must have limited capability for work (assessed by the DWP) and also get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

  • You are under 21 (or are 21 but were under that age when you started your course) on a full-time non-advanced course and are ‘without parental support’ – for example, if you are estranged from your parents or living away from them in other specified circumstances

  • You are a single foster parent (this includes some single kinship carers)

  • You are in a couple, both of you are students, and one of you is a foster parent

  • You are over the qualifying age for state pension credit and your partner has not yet reached that age

  • You have taken time out because of illness/disability or caring responsibilities and have now recovered or your caring responsibilities have ended, and you are not eligible for a grant or loan

  • You have a partner who is not a student, or who is a student and one or both of you fit into one of the groups above

The bursary that we can award students who are in receipt of Universal Credit is £28 per week. This is the maximum we can award with minimal impact to your benefits.

If you can remain on Universal Credit you should apply for either an Under 25 Self Supporting Bursary, Over 25 Independent Bursary uploading in the appropriate evidence to show you are on Universal Credit.

If you will NOT be entitled to remain on Universal Credit while studying you should apply for either 18-24 Parentally Supported Bursary or the Over 25 Bursary.

If you are in receipt of Universal Credit and are Care Experienced, please read the Care Experienced Bursary section.

To be eligible to apply for a Care Experienced Bursary, you must:

  • Be able to prove that you are Care Experienced.

The terms Care Experienced, Care Leaver, and Looked After Child refer to those who have experience of being in care at any time of their lives, or who are currently in care or are looked after.

Care Experience Definitions 

Permanence Order

Permanence Orders (legal orders settled by the Court) were introduced by the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007. They can only be applied for by the local authority and are designed to safeguard a child who will not be returning home. A permanence order will remove the child from the children’s hearing system and can last until the child reaches the age of 18. It can allow foster carers (and others caring for children) to have some or all of the parental rights and responsibilities needed to make day-to-day decisions affecting the child.

Foster Care

Fostering is a temporary arrangement - on either a short or long term basis - and many children in foster care will return to their birth family. Local authorities can only place children with foster carers who have been approved by an agency registered with the Care Inspectorate.  Such agencies include local authorities, voluntary organisations and independent sector providers.

Kinship care

Kinship care is when a child is looked after by their extended family or close friends, if they cannot remain with their birth parents, and is subject to a kinship order. Under the Guidance on Looked After Children (Scotland) Regulations 2009, kinship carers are defined as “a person who is related to the child (through blood, marriage or civil partnership) or a person with whom the child has a pre-existing relationship”. Kinship care includes children who are looked after and are placed in a formal kinship care arrangement by the local authority.

Residential care

Residential care homes offer young people a safe place to live away from their families. Most young people who live in a residential establishment will have been assessed as needing to be cared for away from home by the local authority.

Compulsory Supervision Order with no condition of residence (Looked after at home)

Where a child or young person is subject, through the Children’s Hearing system, to a Compulsory Supervision Order with no condition of residence, that child or young person continues to live at their normal residence (often the family home). 

This is known as being looked after at home. Where this happens, the hearing panel will have decided that the child’s welfare is best assured by living with their parents. Social workers and any other relevant partners then work closely together as well as with the child and family to achieve objectives for which the home supervision order was made. 

Compulsory Supervision Order with a condition of residence (Looked after away from home)

Where a child (or young person) has either:

  • Been through the Children’s Hearings system and is subject to a Compulsory Supervision Order with a condition of residence.
  • Is subject to an order made or authorisation or warrant granted by virtue of Chapter 2, 3 or 4 of Part II of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.
  • Is being provided with accommodation under Section 25 (a voluntary agreement).

OR

  • Is placed by a local authority which has made a permanence order under Section 80 of the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007. In these cases, the child is cared for away from their normal place of residence, by foster or kinship carers, prospective adopters, in residential care homes, residential schools or secure units.

You will be awarded:

Care Experienced award

£225.00 per week

We ensure that Care Experienced students receive the optimum funding award, taking into account their wider circumstances.

The Care Experienced Bursary is a non-means tested award. It is important that any student who is in receipt of government benefits e.g. Universal Credit explores the potential impact that the Care Experienced award may have on any existing entitlement. We will always aim to provide the most beneficial outcome.

Basic Evidence Required

ID for student – Birth Certificate, Passport, Driving License, MyFife Card, NHS Medical Card

Proof of your address – official letter addressed to student dated within the last three months (cannot be from Fife College)

An official letter from the relevant local authority. This must confirm your name, address, date of birth and what section of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 you fall/fell under.

Travel Expenses

For more information on travel expenses, please check out our Travel section.

If you are awarded a bursary, your award might also include travel. To be eligible, you must live outside a 2-mile radius from the campus you will be studying at.

Under 22s

  • The Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme means anyone under the age of 22 is entitled to free bus travel.

  • Students will need a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) to travel for free by bus.

  • You can apply for the card at: getyournec.scot

  • If you turn 22 during your course, you may be eligible to be awarded travel only from your 22nd birthday.

  • Once you have your new or replacement card, you can register it with the College. It will also act as your Student ID card, allowing access to Chromebooks and quick printing on campus.

Over 22s

  • If you are 22 or older on 25 August 2025, the travel award is subject to an assessment of household income.

  • You must live more than two miles (as the crow flies) from the College campus.

  • You must not be in receipt of DLA/PIP or Adult/Child Disability Payment – Mobility element.

  • Travelling expenses are based on the cheapest form of public transport available.

  • The annual amount is based on Student Tickets and calculated on term-time attendance.

For more information on bus tickets, visit the Stagecoach website and select Student Tickets for your location.

Assistance with Rent

There is a limited amount of money available in this fund to support rent. This fund is calculated on household income and not all students who apply for assistance with rent will be eligible to receive support towards their claim.

Students who are in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit (and will be eligible to remain on Universal Credit whilst being a full-time student) will not be eligible to apply for this fund. You can find out more information about Universal Credit by reading the Students Currently Receiving Universal Credit section.

We are unable to assist you if you are living in the parental home or, in most cases, paying rent to a family member.

In order to be eligible for support with rent, you need to be receiving the maximum funding that you are entitled to.

We will only pay housing costs for you if you have a valid tenancy agreement (this must include your name as a tenant responsible for rent costs; sole/joint tenant).

Your landlord/letting agency must be registered on Landlord Registration Scotland as should the address of the property you stay in. This is a legal requirement and if your landlord/letting agency has failed to comply, the College will not give assistance with rent costs.

You can check the register by visiting the following website landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk

Rent assistance is paid directly to your chosen landlord/letting agent. All housing payments are paid four weeks in arrears.

Payments are subject to engagement/attendance checks and students will be responsible for any costs that are not met by the College.

No formal contract will exist between landlords and the College.

Please note: We may not be able to meet your full rent and you will be responsible for the remainder.

Assistance with Rent

responsible for the remainder.

Assistance with Rent

FE Student with partner
Partner income less than £21,999
Half rent cost up to maximum of £70 per week

FE Single student and sharing accommodation
Student income disregarded
Half rent cost up to maximum of £70 per week

FE Single student and sole occupant
Student income disregarded
Rent cost up to maximum of £70 per week

Evidence Requirement

  • Tenancy Agreement – This needs to include name, address, current rent cost, and signed declaration page

  • Partner’s P60 – Covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of their income from self-employment

  • Council Tax Notification – 2025

  • Benefit documentation – Screenshot or letter of most recently received Universal Credit award showing name, address, and all elements awarded (including deductions), along with a screenshot of the list of monthly statements

  • Student P60 – Covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of income from self-employment

We may ask for additional evidence depending on your circumstances.

Assistance with Mortgage Interest

There is a limited amount of money available in this fund to support mortgage interest payments. It is based on household income, therefore, not all students who apply for assistance with mortgage interest will be eligible to receive support towards their claim.

  • In order to be eligible for support with mortgage interest payments, you need to be receiving the maximum funding that you are entitled to.
  • We will only pay housing costs for you if you have a valid mortgage statement (this must include your name as a liable person; Annual statement showing interest costs).

Students who are in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit (and will be eligible to remain on Universal Credit whilst being a full-time student) will not be eligible to apply for this fund. You can find out more information about Universal Credit by reading the Students Currently Receiving Universal Credit section.

Payments are subject to engagement/attendance checks.

You will be responsible for any costs that are not met by the College.

Category
FE Student with mortgage (single or partnered)

Income level
Partner income less than £21,999

Award
Up to £30 per week to help with interest payments. Must have most recent annual mortgage statement. Value depends on individual mortgage interest rate.

Evidence Requirement

  • Mortgage statement – This needs to be your annual statement that includes interest payments

  • Partner’s P60 – Covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of their income from self-employment

  • Student P60 – Covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of their income from self-employment

  • Council Tax Notification – 2025

  • Benefit documentation – Screenshot or letter of most recently received Universal Credit award showing name, address, and all elements awarded (including deductions), along with a screenshot of the list of monthly statements

We may ask for additional evidence depending on your circumstances.

 

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There is a limited amount of money available in this fund to support mortgage interest payments. It is based on household income, so not all students who apply will be eligible for support.

To be eligible, you must be receiving the maximum funding you are entitled to
We will only pay housing costs if you provide a valid annual mortgage statement showing your name as a liable person and the interest costs
Students in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit (and eligible to remain on UC while studying full-time) will not be eligible for this fund
You can find more details in the Students Currently Receiving Universal Credit section
Payments are subject to engagement and attendance checks
You will be responsible for any costs not covered by the College

Category
FE Student with mortgage (single or partnered)

Income level
Partner income less than £21,999

Award
Up to £30 per week to help with interest payments
Must have most recent annual mortgage statement
Value depends on individual mortgage interest rate

Evidence Requirement

  • Mortgage statement – This must be your annual statement showing interest payments

  • Partner’s P60 – Covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of their income from self-employment

  • Student P60 – Covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of income from self-employment

  • Council Tax Notification – 2025

  • Benefit documentation – Screenshot or letter of your most recent Universal Credit award showing name, address, and all elements awarded (including deductions), along with a screenshot of the list of monthly statements

We may ask for additional evidence depending on your circumstances.

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If you have children that you are responsible for, then you can apply for assistance with your childcare costs. However, these costs can only cover your college timetabled hours and mandatory work placements as part of your course.

Please note: We may not be able to meet the full childcare payment. You will be responsible for meeting any additional costs.

There is a limited amount of money available in this fund to support childcare payments. It is based on household income, so not all students who apply will be eligible for support.

If you are receiving Government Funded hours (Funded Early Learning and Childcare for 2 to 5 year olds), these hours must be used during your timetabled college hours.

  • Your child’s Government Funded hours should only be used during term time

  • The entitlement is 1140 hours per year, which is 30 hours a week

You must inform the Student Funding team immediately if your child becomes eligible for Government Funded hours.

If you have a spouse/partner who is unemployed or at home during your timetabled classes, we will not contribute towards those hours.

To receive childcare support, your contract must be with a registered childcare provider, nursery, or breakfast/afterschool club.

  • The provider must be registered with the Care Inspectorate

No formal contract will exist between childcare providers and the College.

No assistance will be given for private study days. However, if additional days (e.g. school in-service days) are needed, we may support this with written confirmation from the childcare provider of the days and costs.

The College will not pay towards childcare deposits.

All childcare funds are paid directly to your chosen provider, one week in arrears.

You will receive a letter with the value and dates of payments, available on your student portal.

If you are changing providers during the college year, contact the Student Funding team as early as possible to discuss how this might affect your claim.


Childcare award is based on household income (the student’s income is not taken into account):

Income £ per hour
£0 – £24,999 £6.00
£25,000 – £34,999 £4.00

Evidence Required

  • ID of dependent children – Birth Certificates, Passport, NHS Medical Card, or MyFife Card

  • Childcare contract – Must include:

    • Name of provider

    • Childcare registration number

    • Daily costs

    • Days/hours/times child attends

    • Confirmation if receiving Government Funded hours (2 to 5 year olds)

  • Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) P60 – Covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of income from self-employment

  • Council Tax Notification – 2025 (if single person)

  • Benefit documentation – Screenshot or letter of most recently received Universal Credit award showing name, address, and all elements awarded (including deductions), along with a screenshot of the list of monthly statements

We may ask for additional evidence depending on your circumstances.

You can remain on Universal Credit while studying if:

  • You are responsible for a child

  • You are ill or disabled (you must have limited capability for work, assessed by the DWP, and also receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP))

  • You are under 21 (or are 21 but were under that age when you started your course), on a full-time non-advanced course, and are without parental support (e.g. estranged or living away due to other specified circumstances)

  • You are a single foster parent (this includes some single kinship carers)

  • You are in a couple, both of you are students, and one of you is a foster parent

  • You are over the qualifying age for state pension credit, and your partner has not yet reached that age

  • You have taken time out because of illness/disability or caring responsibilities, have now recovered or those responsibilities have ended, and you are not eligible for a grant or loan

  • You have a partner who is not a student, or who is a student and one or both of you fit into one of the groups above


The bursary available to students in receipt of Universal Credit is £28 per week.
This is the maximum amount that can be awarded with minimal impact to your benefit entitlement.


If you can remain on Universal Credit, you should apply for either:

  • Under 25 Self-Supporting Bursary

  • Over 25 Independent Bursary

Make sure to upload appropriate evidence to show you are receiving Universal Credit.

If you cannot remain on Universal Credit while studying, you should apply for either:

  • 18–24 Parentally Supported Bursary

  • Over 25 Bursary

If you are in receipt of Universal Credit and are Care Experienced, please refer to the Care Experienced Bursary section.

Higher Education Students

There is a limited amount of money available in this fund to support rent. This fund is calculated on household income and not all students who apply for assistance with rent will be eligible to receive support towards their claim.

Students who are in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit (and will be eligible to remain on Universal Credit whilst being a full-time student) will not be eligible to apply for this fund. You can find out more information about Universal Credit by reading the Students Currently Receiving Universal Credit section.

We are unable to assist you if you are living in the parental home or, in most cases, paying rent to a family member.

In order to be eligible for support with rent, you need to be receiving the maximum funding that you are entitled to.

We will only pay housing costs for you if you have a valid tenancy agreement (this must include your name as a tenant responsible for rent costs; sole/joint tenant).

Your landlord/letting agency must be registered on Landlord Registration Scotland as should the address of the property you stay in. This is a legal requirement and if your landlord/letting agency has failed to comply, the College will not give assistance with rent costs.

You can check the register by visiting the following website landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk

Rent assistance is paid directly to your chosen landlord/letting agent. All housing payments are paid four weeks in arrears.

Payments are subject to engagement/attendance checks and students will be responsible for any costs that are not met by the College.

No formal contract will exist between landlords and the College.

Please note: We may not be able to meet your full rent and you will be responsible for any costs that are not met by the College.

Assistance with Rent

Evidence Requirement

Student with partner
Partner income less than £21,999
Half rent cost up to maximum of £70 per week

Single student and sharing accommodation
Student income disregarded
Half rent cost up to maximum of £70 per week

Single student and sole occupant
Student income disregarded
Rent cost up to maximum £70 per week

HE Housing Assistance Rent

  • SAAS Award letter – This can be downloaded from your SAAS portal

  • Student P60 – Covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of their income from self-employment

  • Tenancy Agreement – This needs to include name, address, current rent cost, and the signed declaration page

  • Partner’s P60 – Covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of their income from self-employment

  • Council Tax Notification 2025

  • Benefit Letter / Screenshot – Most recently received Universal Credit award showing name, address, and all elements awarded (including deductions), along with a screenshot of the list of monthly statements

We may ask for additional evidence depending on your circumstances.

There is a limited amount of money available in this fund to support mortgage interest payments. It is based on household income, so not all students who apply will be eligible to receive support.

To be eligible:

  • You must be receiving the maximum funding you are entitled to

  • We will only pay housing costs if you have a valid mortgage statement that includes your name as a liable person and shows annual interest payments

  • Students in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit (and eligible to remain on UC while studying full-time) will not be eligible for this fund

  • You can find more details in the Students Currently Receiving Universal Credit section

You will be responsible for any costs not met by the College

Category
Student with mortgage (single or partnered)

Income level
Partner income less than £21,999

Award
Up to £30.00 per week to help with interest payments
Must have the most recent annual mortgage statement
Value depends on individual mortgage interest rate

Evidence Requirement

  • SAAS Award letter – This can be downloaded from your SAAS portal

  • Mortgage statement – Annual statement that includes interest payments

  • Student P60 – Covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of income from self-employment

  • Partner’s P60 – Covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of income from self-employment

  • Council Tax Notification – 2025

  • Benefit documentation – Screenshot or letter of most recently received Universal Credit award showing name, address, and all elements awarded (including deductions), along with a screenshot of the list of monthly statements

We may ask for additional evidence depending on your circumstances.

For help with childcare costs, you can apply if:

  • You are in receipt of the maximum funding that you are entitled to from SAAS (including the Student Loan)

  • Your course fees are being paid to the College by SAAS

  • You have children that you are responsible for

  • You are using a registered childcare provider

  • The childcare provider is registered with the Care Inspectorate

  • If you live with a partner, their income (P60 for 2024/25 or proof of self-employment) is below £34,999

You are not able to apply if:

  • You have a spouse/partner who is at home during your timetabled classes

  • You are paying your own course fees, except for lone parents who qualify for the Lone Parent Childcare Grant

These childcare costs can only be covered for:

  • Your College timetabled hours

  • Mandatory work placements as part of your course

Please note:
We may not be able to cover the full childcare cost. You will be responsible for meeting any additional charges.

There is a limited amount of money in this fund. It is based on household income, so not all students who apply will be eligible for support.

If you are receiving Government Funded hours (Funded Early Learning and Childcare for 2 to 5 year olds):

  • These must be used towards your timetabled college hours

  • These should only be used during term time

  • The entitlement is 1140 hours per year, or 30 hours per week

You must inform the Student Funding team immediately if your child becomes eligible for Government Funded hours.

If you have a spouse/partner who is at home during your timetabled classes, we will not contribute towards those hours.

To be eligible, your childcare contract must be with a:

  • Registered provider, nursery, or breakfast/afterschool club

  • Provider must be registered with the Care Inspectorate

No formal contract will exist between childcare providers and the College.

We do not provide assistance for:

  • Private study days

  • Childcare deposits

If additional childcare is required (e.g. school in-service days), we may support this with written confirmation from the provider detailing the dates and extra cost.

All childcare funds are paid directly to your provider, one week in arrears.

You will be sent correspondence detailing the payment amounts and dates, which will be available on your student portal.

If you change providers during the college year, contact the Student Funding team as early as possible to discuss how this may affect your claim.


Childcare award is based on household income.
The student’s income is not taken into consideration.

Ask ChatGPT

Income

£ per hour

£0 – £24,999

£6.00

£25,000 - £34,999

£4.00

Evidence Required

  • ID of dependent children – Birth certificates, Passport, NHS Medical Card, or MyFife card

  • SAAS Award letter – This can be downloaded from your SAAS portal

  • Childcare contract – Must include:

    • Name of provider

    • Childcare registration number

    • Daily costs

    • Days/hours/times child attends

    • Confirmation if you are receiving Government Funded hours (Funded early learning and childcare for 2 to 5 year olds)

  • Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) P60 – Covering April 2024 – March 2025, or proof of income from self-employment

  • Council Tax Notification – 2025 (if single person)

  • Benefit documentation – Screenshot or letter of most recently received Universal Credit award showing name, address, and all elements awarded (including deductions), along with a screenshot of the list of monthly statements

We may ask for additional evidence depending on your circumstances.

Tuition fee Information

This page provides everything you need to know about the funding support available towards the payment of course tuition fees for both Higher Education (HE) and Further Education (FE) courses, including advice for Self or Part-funding Students.

An HE (or advanced) course is any course at HNC Level or above (SCQF Level 7 and above).

An FE (or non-advanced) course is any course below HNC Level (below SCQF Level 7).

LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE FEES 2025-26

Full-time Further Education Course Fees

While all courses provided by Fife College attract a Tuition Fee, if you are applying for a Full-time Further Education course, most Scottish students will not have to pay tuition fees.

The options available to you are dependent on the mode of attendance of the course (Full-time or Part-time) and the level of study.

Part-time Further Education Course Fees

For Part-Time Further Education courses, fees are payable in advance unless you have applied for and have been granted funding by another source, or have applied and been awarded Part-time Fee Waiver.

Full-time and Part-time Higher Education Course Fees

For a Higher Education course (i.e. an HNC, HND, or degree course), fees are payable in advance unless you have applied to SAAS to have your fees fully or partly paid for you.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all required funding applications are completed fully to ensure your fees are paid where eligible.

You will be asked to bring confirmation of who will be paying your tuition fees with you to induction.

Any fees that remain outstanding are your responsibility.

Self or Part-Funding

If you are not eligible for any funding to support the payment of your tuition fees, or if you are liable for part of your tuition fees, payment is due from you at enrolment in advance of commencing your course.

Non-payment of fees will mean you will be unable to access college resources or attend class.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE FEES 24-25

How to Pay

You can pay by cash, cheque, debit/credit card:

  • In person: at reception in our Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, Levenmouth or Rosyth campuses
  • By phone: contact our Finance team during opening hours on 0344 248 0115 to pay by debit or credit card

Our aim is to support every individual who seeks to further their education. We offer payment plan options to help you pay your fees in instalments. Please refer to section 7.1 of our Learner Guide: Payment of Tuition Fees for further information.

If your employer is paying your fees, please refer to section 8 of our Learner Guide: Payment of Tuition Fees.

Please note: if you withdraw prior to the end of your course, you remain liable for the full fee. Please refer to our Refund Policy for further information.

Contact Us

For any queries regarding payment of your fees, please contact the Finance Department by email at finance@fife.ac.uk

Part-time Fee Grant

If you live in Scotland and have an individual income of £25,000 per year or less, you may be eligible for a part-time fee grant for undergraduate study.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and your course is Part-Time Fee Grant eligible, you should apply directly to SAAS: Part-time Funding Guide – SAAS.

Fife College will then verify the course details and send this to SAAS securely on your behalf.

Contact Information
& Drop-ins

Our aim is to support every individual who seeks to further their education. You can make an appointment to see one of our Funding Team if you need assistance with your funding application, or have any questions regarding funding.

These appointments are available on the following day’s:

Appointments will be available soon.

To make an appointment you can call the main college number on 0344 248 0115 or email studentfunding@fife.ac.uk