Discretionary Funds

All students with household income below £26,000. If you are on income based benefits, you will need to check with the DWP (Department Work and Pensions) if any award would impact on your benefit claim.

Discretionary Funds provide non-repayable assistance for students in financial difficulties in order for them to access and/or continue in education.

• This is paid in addition to any other forms of student support.
• Priority will be given to full-time students with childcare and/or housing costs, however all students who can provide evidence of hardship will be considered.
• Applications for financial assistance from the Discretionary Fund will be accepted from students who are experiencing financial hardship, as a result of attending college, or whose financial circumstances prevent them from studying.
• If you have a household income of over £26,000 you will not be eligible to apply for this fund.

After accepting a place on your course, you will be sent a link to set up an account to apply for funding.

FE students will need to submit a Bursary application before they can make an application to the Discretionary Fund. HE students should first apply to SAAS for their fees, Bursary and Student Loan – and then complete a Discretionary Fund application. HE students will need to provide evidence that they have applied for the maximum Bursary/Student Loan available.