Further education funding for Scottish resident students

Frequently asked questions

What if my bursary application is unsuccessful?

Awards made by SRUC are determined under the National Policy for Further Education Bursaries, the EMA Guidance and Procedure, and the Further Education Bursaries (Scotland) Direction, issued by the Scottish Executive. Your application for Further Education funding may be refused under these policies and criteria.

You do have the right to appeal against any rejection by emailing your Funding Team, giving all reasons to support your appeal, such as why you changed the direction of your career. You have no right of appeal if your application for funding has been refused due to failure to adhere to the criteria in the current policy documents, Further Education Bursaries (Scotland) Direction, and Education Maintenance Allowances (Scotland) Direction relating to your residency in Scotland.

What if I'm currently receiving benefits?

If you are in receipt of benefits you should contact your local Citizens Advice Office for advice on whether you can continue to claim while studying on your course. Full time students studying at Further Education level are not normally entitled to receive benefits, however, there are some exceptions.

• Students on full time courses cannot claim Job Seekers Allowance (JSA). Instead, you should apply for a bursary for support.
  
  
• Students may continue to get Universal Credit (UC) depending on their circumstances, and would receive £28 per week from bursary maintenance.
  
  
• Students cannot claim Carers Allowance and study full time. You will need to provide a cease date of your claim to be awarded bursary maintenance.
  
  
• If you are a lone parent and your youngest child is under five years old, you will be assessed for travel and course expenses only.
  
  
• Some students can continue to claim Employment Support Allowance (ESA). You will be awarded travel and course expenses until you provide a cease date of your claim.
  
  
• If you qualify for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) this claim will continue, although if you receive DLA Mobility you will not qualify for travel expenses.
  
  
• Partners of full time students who are not students themselves can qualify for DWP Benefits as a couple and the Bursary Award will be for travel and course expenses only.