Discretionary Funds

All students with household income below £26,000.

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.