Funding for colleges
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Register hereOur core funding for colleges contributes to the cost of providing learning and teaching and funds academic, administrative, technical and support staff. It also funds facilities, accommodation, equipment and materials.
We currently provide funding support to 24 colleges (within 13 college regions) in Scotland.
As of 1 August 2026, Further Education Student Support funding is administered by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
SAAS will publish information on FE Student Support on the Student Information Scotland (SIS) website.
Guidance for college staff on FE student support funding can be found at the SIS Publications page.
College funding announcements and Outcomes Framework
College funding announcements are issued throughout each year and SFC’s Outcomes Framework sets out SFC’s expectations of colleges in return for the funding that they receive.
Fair Access
SFC funding for Fair Access supports education that is accessible to learners from all backgrounds and all of our actions contribute to delivering the targets and recommendations outlined in A Blueprint for Fairness.
Skills and Lifelong Learning
Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) give students a work-based learning opportunity providing an inside view of Scotland’s industries. Students have the opportunity to combine a recognised qualification with valuable experience in industries where there’s a rising demand for a skilled workforce. The course enables students to spend time at work placements with industry employers, exposing them early on to the world of work and learning vital transferable skills.
Capital
Capital funding for colleges covers land, buildings and equipment and supports our work to secure effective and sustainable spaces for learning, research and innovation.
Colleges that we fund
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Ayrshire
Borders
Dumfries & Galloway
Dundee and Angus
Edinburgh
Fife
Forth Valley
Highlands & Islands
Lanarkshire
Specialist colleges
West Scotland
West Lothian
SFC Strategic Plan 2022-27
Building a connected, agile, sustainable tertiary education and research system for Scotland.