What type of funding is available to me?

Tuition Fees

In most cases students studying on full-time advanced courses will not have to pay their own tuition fees providing that they are not repeating any area of study. Students must apply to the Students Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) if they are to have fees paid on their behalf. If you do not meet the residency or other requirements you will have to pay your own tuition fees.

What funding is available to support me at college?

The Following may be available depending on individual circumstance:
Student Loan, of which an element is means tested. Any eligible student can apply for a non-means tested element. Rates will vary depending on the income of your assessable parent(s) or spouse/partner.
Young Students Bursary. This is a non-repayable grant for students from families with a low income, who are under 25 years old at the start of the course and are not classed as independent. This award will be paid as a replacement for part of your student loan, reducing the amount you need to borrow and pay back. This award will be assessed by SAAS when you submit your application form.
There are certain supplementary grants available from SAAS, which include:

• Lone Parent Grants
• Travelling Expenses
• Disabled Students allowance
  These will be assessed with your initial application with the exception of travelling expenses; these forms should be available between December & January from the college reception.

How are payments usually made?

Payments are made in three instalments at the start of each term, and these payments are usually paid directly into your bank account. From the start of term 2007-08 these payments will be paid into your bank accounts monthly.

How do I repay my student loan?

The loan you receive is repaid once you are in full time employment and earning over a certain salary (currently £15,000 per annum). The repayment is deducted from your wages in small amounts over a period of time. See www.slc.co.uk for more details.

Is there any additional funding available to students on advanced courses?

There are several ways the college will help to support students on advanced courses, these include:

• The Higher Education Hardship Fund, this allows students to apply for help with their rent/mortgage costs from a limited fund supplied to the college.
• The Higher Education Childcare Fund, this allows students who may require childcare when attending college to apply for help with this cost.
  Please Note. The college will only aid a student with childcare costs when using a registered childminder or nursery.
  The Form for applying for this help is available from:
  The Student Services Centre in Falkirk.

Main Reception In Clackmannan & Stirling Campuses.

Forms are available to be downloaded and printed from the Forth Valley College website, The Virtual Learning Environment and the Student Union Website.

Contacting SAAS & applying for funding

If you have any questions or you are uncertain about your entitlement to funding you can contact SAAS using the information below:
Phone: 0845 111 1711

Website: www.Saas.Gov.uk