Higher education students can apply to spread their student financial support package over a 12-month period for the first time this coming academic year.
The year-long package of support will be available for eligible undergraduate students from August 2024. The change will ensure that payments of relevant student loans and bursaries can continue through the summer months. This follows a successful two-year programme, which saw care experienced students being given the option of 12-month support.
Care-Experienced students will continue to receive additional support for their living costs under the Summer Accommodation Grant from Summer 2024. Students eligible for the grant - which will replace the Care-Experienced Accommodation Grant - will be entitled to a payment of up to £1,330 to help ensure they do not fall into rent arrears over the summer.
These changes will coincide with the £2,400 increase to the annual support package, which sees the main undergraduate funding package rise up to £11,400.
Supporting Students over Summer
Throughout my own time in university, I also campaigned on this issue as I felt the impacts of the lack of support myself.
Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:
“I know that the summer months can be a difficult period for learners when their SAAS payments stop – not all students are able to rely on their parents, and not everyone has the access to work and training opportunities due to financial barriers and caring responsibilities.
“Throughout my own time in university, I also campaigned on this issue as I felt the impacts of the lack of support myself.
“This change will ensure that learners can access the vital funds they need the whole year round and is on top of increased financial support for Scottish students, with the main undergraduate funding package now in line with the Living Wage.
“It is also another example of the actions being taken by the Scottish Government to support students through the cost-of-living crisis. Scotland already has the lowest student debt levels in the UK, which is thanks to our commitment to free tuition and our enhanced student support offering.
“We are seeing a record number of students from Scotland’s most deprived areas applying to study at university, so action like this from the Scottish Government is essential to ensure that they are supported to succeed in their studies. It will help to further break down barriers and ensure that access to our world-class institutions is not denied to anyone across Renfrewshire, whatever their background.”