There are a number of different funding options available, depending on which course you choose to study.
The type of funding you may be entitled to will depend upon the level of course you are studying. If you’re not sure which level applies to you, visit our courses explained page.
During your studies, you will need to pay for the cost of tuition, which most students will receive help towards.
You may also be eligible for funding to help towards the cost of living while you study. The type of course you study, as well as your personal circumstances, decide where you can get help and how much that might be.
The Scottish Government have created a new website Student Information Scotland. Here you will find useful further and higher education funding information. It also features a Funding Checker which allows you to work out what funding you may be eligible to receive.
If you are studying a full-time non advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to the following options:
If you are studying a full-time advanced course (HNC level or above), you may be entitled to the following options:
The Tuition Fee for a full-time, non-advanced course is not subject to means-testing nor is entitlement affected by any previous study.
If you do not meet residence or other requirements, you will be required to pay the tuition fees yourself.
If you are on a non advanced course then you should apply to the College for course funding. We will send you a link to apply for this funding at at the end of April or beginning of May.
A bursary is a means-tested form of student support.
Students on a full-time, non-advanced course such as a NC, SGA or SVQ may be awarded a bursary by the College, subject to the availability of funds. This applies to those who are resident in Scotland, with the exception of Orkney and Shetland*.
The amount awarded will depend on many factors including the financial situation of you/your household – parent(s), spouse or partner. If you are eligible for a bursary you may receive an allowance towards your maintenance, travel and course materials. A bursary is normally paid in 4 weekly instalments directly into your bank account. The first instalment is paid as soon as possible following your enrolment on a course. Whilst students should aim to attend all timetabled classes, the College will also look at engagement and progression when deciding on payment of funds.
Please note that because free bus travel is now available for under 22’s, students will no longer receive the travel element of a bursary award if they qualify for this scheme. Find out more on the Transport Scotland website.
*Students from Orkney and Shetland should apply directly to their Island’s Council for Bursary support.
Students from England and Wales should apply to their own Local Education Authority for Bursary support and those from Northern Ireland should apply to their local Education and Libraries Board.
Entitlement depends on a number of important factors and the funds available are limited, so please note that you may not automatically qualify for a bursary and some applications may be unsuccessful. If you are unsure about your eligibility regarding a North East Scotland College bursary you should contact the Student Advice Centre.
To apply for a bursary, you should complete the Online Funding Application Form which will be sent to you, via a link, once you have been offered a place on a course. We advise that you submit this online application as soon as possible, before the closing dates detailed in your account.
Bursary applications submitted after the 6th week from the start date of the course will only be assessed from the date of submission, and will not be backdated to the start of the course.
This form of funding is in place to maintain the student, and will be awarded on a means-tested basis. The income of the student and the household, whether that be parent(s) or spouse/partner, will be considered. If you are entitled to an EMA Award then this type of funding will not apply, unless it is accepted by the College that you must live away from your parental home during your study with us.
If you will be aged under 18 at the start of your course, it is likely that you will be eligible for this award, regardless of household income, if your home is more than 2 miles away from College.
Please note that because free bus travel is now available for under 22’s, students will no longer receive the travel element of a bursary award if they qualify for this scheme. Find out more on the Transport Scotland website.
The EMA is a weekly payment of £30, based on household income, issued to help maintain the student. The EMA will be paid every two weeks in arrears into your bank account, providing that you meet the terms and conditions of a Learning Agreement to be signed at the start of your course. Payments are not made during College holidays including the October break, Christmas and Easter.
If your date of birth falls between 30th August 2003 and 28th February 2006, you may be eligible for EMA from 30th August 2021. If your date of birth falls between 1st October 2005 and 28th February 2006, your eligibility for EMA will come into effect from 6th January 2022.
EMAs may be available to 16 to 19 year olds studying on a non-andvanced (HNC or below) part-time course.
Criteria for receiving an EMA includes:
Full details can be found on the MyGov. Scot website.
To apply, you should complete the Online Funding Application Form which will be sent to you, via a link, once you have been offered a place on a course. We advise that you submit this online application as soon as possible, before the closing dates detailed in your account. Entitlement depends on a number of important factors and the funds available are limited, so please note that you may not automatically qualify for an EMA and some applications may be unsuccessful.
EMA applications submitted after the 6th week from the start date of the course will only be assessed from the date of submission, and will not be backdated to the start of the course. If you are unsure about your eligibility regarding an EMA or North East Scotland College bursary you should contact the Student Advice Centre.
Applying for funding and knowing what you are entitled to can be confusing. If you wish to meet with a Student Adviser to discuss your options, please call or visit your local Student Advice Centre or email studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.
If you are studying an advanced course you must apply to have your Tuition Fees paid by SAAS, and you must also attend the course past the cut-off date of 1st December. Assessment for Tuition Fees is based on your residency status, and whether you have done a course of higher education before. If you don’t apply the College will charge you the Tuition Fee.
If you are a BSL user, SAAS have created a series of BSL videos explaining student funding. View them here.
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