Scotland 2015/16 - student fees and grants

National student fee

For the first cycle, the Scottish Government pays the tuition fees for full-time Scottish and EU students (with the exception of those from England, Wales and Northern Ireland). For 2014/15, fees are set at GBP 1 820.

Fees for part-time students are unregulated but are usually a proportion of the full-time equivalent fee.

Scottish (and non-UK EU) students do not pay tuition fees to study at Scottish universities, but must pay full fees to study at universities in other parts of the UK. Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are required to pay fees to study at universities in Scotland. Fees are charged to students from the rest of the UK at a level of up
to a maximum of GBP 9 000, in line with the maximum fee charged in the rest of the UK. The GBP 9 000 cap on fees for students from the rest of the UK is set by the sector as part of a voluntary agreement.

Fees for international (non-EU) students are unregulated and set by the higher education institutions.

The fee and support system has been developed for students in the first cycle. In the second cycle, fees are unregulated, differing by field of study and by mode of attendance (i.e. full- or part-time).

Student grants

Fundamental changes to the student support package were introduced in the academic year 2013/14.

Both grants and loans are available to full-time students depending on circumstances. The 'Young Student’s Bursary' of up to GBP 1 875 per year is available to students from low income backgrounds. The ‘Independent Students’ Bursary’ of up to GBP 875 per year is available to students over the age of 25 or who are living with a partner. Other grants also exist for students with disabilities.

Loans

Many students take out loans. Depending on household income, young students can borrow a maximum of GBP 5 750 per year. Likewise, independent students can borrow a maximum of GBP 6 750 per year. All students can borrow GBP 4 750 per year irrespective of household income.

Tax benefit for student's parents

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances do not play a role in the student support system.

Family allowances

Tax benefits for parents and family allowances do not play a role in the student support system.