Student Support

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We provide funding to colleges for bursaries, childcare, Education Maintenance Allowance and discretionary funds for students up to, but not including, Higher National Certificate level.

We work with colleges to develop policy and look at how the funding is allocated through the Further Education Student Support Advisory Group (FESSAG) and Student Support Network. We also issue public consultations on Student Support matters.

SFC Student Support Guidance

Bursary Fund Guidance

The National policy for further education bursaries guidance sets out the conditions for use of bursary funds allocated to colleges by SFC and includes:

Advisors’ Notes.
Award Assessment.
Fund Management and Audit Information.
Additional Information on Care Experienced Bursary Eligibility.
Annex: Care Experienced Form.

College Childcare Guidance

The Childcare Funding for College Students guidance sets out the conditions for use of the childcare funds by colleges, and includes College Further and Higher Education Childcare Fund Guidance.

Discretionary Fund Guidance

The FE Student Support Discretionary Funding guidance sets out the conditions for use of the further education discretionary fund.

Information for Colleges

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Guidance

The Education Maintenance Allowance Guidance sets out the EMAs programme available to young people aged 16 to 19 across Scotland.

Information for Student Advisors (restricted area)

The Information for Student Advisors page (password restricted) holds the the Scottish Government’s EMA Guidance and Processes, which offers guidance on the rules, principles and processes under which the Scottish Government expects the EMA programme to operate.

Residency Guidance

The Scottish Government Further Education (FE) Residency Guidance sets out eligibility for student support for students studying a course of Further
Education in Scotland.

You should also refer to UK Visas and Immigration (UKV&I) for further guidance.

Related Guidance

Useful Resources

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) Scotland – Benefits for Students in Scotland Handbook 2024/25.
Department for Work and Pensions – Benefits Eligibility.
Social Security Scotland – Information on Benefits.
SCQF Interactive Framework.
Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) – Higher Education (HE) students.
Student Information Scotland (SIS) – Funding your further education course.
SFC funding advice for students.