This information applies to Scotland

If you're going to be doing a full-time course at a Scottish FE college and you live in Scotland then the first thing you should be aware of is that your course fees will be paid for you under the fee waiver policy. Secondly, you may be eligible for a non-repayable bursary. This will depend on your circumstances and you should contact the college you plan to attend to discuss your student support package.

Colleges can also give bursaries to students on certain FE courses, which, subject to means testing, may provide support towards maintenance costs, travel and study expenses. These funds are called Access Funds.

Additional support may also be available in certain cases, determined on a case-by-case basis. Details can be obtained from colleges themselves or from the Funding for Learners web site (www.fundingforlearners.co.uk).

It is also possible that you get Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance,  Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit. However, the rules for claiming these benefits if you are a student are restricted to certain kinds of students and many will not be able to get help in this way.

For more information about further education bursaries, see Scottish Government guide to helping you meet the costs of learning.
For more information about Hardship Funds, see The Hardship Fund.

Other Frequently asked questions about education:

• I am a wheelchair user planning to go to college when I leave school what do I need to do?
• Can I educate my child at home?
• I have got a letter for school saying my daughter is going to be excluded. What can I do?
• My child is being bullied at school. What can I do?
• I have just found out that my son is autistic. Can he continue to go to our local primary school?