Financial support at higher education institutions
The following tables present the general differences in financial support for the following groups of people:
- Asylum Seekers
- those who have Refugee status, Humanitarian Protection or Discretionary Leave.
Part time
| FUNDING | Fee waiver | Student Support and Hardship Funds | State benefits while studying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asylum seekers | A small number of asylum seekers are eligible, if fulfilling appropriate criteria. | A small number of asylum seekers are eligible, if fulfilling appropriate criteria. | Asylum seekers are not eligible for state benefits. |
| Refugees with Refugee Status, Humanitarian Protection or Discretionary Leave | Course fees are charged at the same rates as UK students. May be eligible for fee waiver at the discretion of the institution. | Eligible to apply for £500 loans, Disabled Student Allowance and Hardship Fund if fulfilling residency criteria.* | See 'General notes on state benefits'. |
Full time
| FUNDING | Fee waiver | Student Support and Hardship Funds | State benefits while studying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asylum seekers | A small number of asylum seekers are eligible, if fulfilling appropriate criteria. | A small number of asylum seekers are eligible, if fulfilling appropriate criteria. | Asylum seekers are not eligible for state benefits. |
| Refugees with Refugee Status, Humanitarian Protection or Discretionary Leave | Eligible to apply to SAAS for payment of tuition fees if fulfilling residency criteria.* | Eligible to apply to SAAS for living cost support and discretionary Hardship and Childcare Funds if fulfilling residency criteria.* | See 'General notes on state benefits'. |
*For a definition of ‘residency criteria’ and further information and advice, contact SAAS (Student Award Agency for Scotland).