Sources of Funding

Financial support is generally available to undergraduate students from the UK throughout their course of study, although previous study may affect your entitlement to claim certain awards, loans and tuition fees. If you are unsure, contact your funding authority (see below for details). You should ensure any applications for funding are sent as soon as possible to receive all awards and loans in time for the beginning of the first semester.

For further information and guidance please contact the Student Funding Adviser.

SCOTTISH STUDENTS

Apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland. Scottish students who are new entrants to higher education will receive assistance in the form of the following package:

Tuition Fees

The Student Awards Agency for Scotland will pay tuition fees for all eligible Scottish domiciled students (& EU students from outwith the UK) studying full-time higher education courses at a Scottish institution. The tuition fee for Scottish undergraduate courses is set at £1,820 for 2009/2010.

Living Cost Support

Depending on individual circumstances, Scottish students studying full-time higher education courses at a Scottish institution can apply for a student loan if eligible. Some students will be entitled to extra help with living costs through non-repayable supplementary bursaries or grants.

Young Students Bursary

The Young Students Bursary is for students under the age of 25 who have not been self supporting for the past three years or have been self supporting and have a dependent child. It is means tested on parental/household income. The bursaries are not repayable and are available only to Scottish students studying in Scotland (excluding Allied Health Profession Courses and Nursing).

Childcare Fund

This is a discretionary payment made by the University from funds provided by the Scottish Government. It can help, depending on individual circumstances, to cover the costs for children placed with a Childminder, Nursery or After School Club.

Student Loans

The remaining part of the package consists of a student loan. Mature students are eligible to apply for the maximum student loan. The Young Student package will be made up of bursary (depending on household income) and student loan.

STUDENTS FROM ENGLAND

Apply to Student Finance Direct www.studentsupportdirect.co.uk English students should apply to Student Finance Direct for their Student Loan and for the Tuition Fee Loan that may be available to help with the cost of tuition fees.

STUDENTS FROM WALES

Apply to Student Finance Wales www.studentfinancewales.co.uk Welsh students should apply to Student Finance Wales for their Student Loan and for the Tuition Fee Loan that may be available to help with the cost of their tuition fee.

STUDENTS FROM NORTHERN IRELAND

Apply to Student Finance NI www.studentfinanceni.co.uk Northern Irish students should apply to Student Finance NI for their Student Loan and for the Tuition Fee Loan that may be available to help with the cost of their tuition fee.

EUROPEAN UNION STUDENTS

Apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotlandwww.saas.gov.uk The majority of students from the European Union who intend to study at a Scottish institution will be entitled to free tuition fees only. Some EU students may qualify for a Student Loan however the rules are complex and the SAAS website should be referred to at www.saas.gov.uk (students from abroad).

PROFESSION STUDENTS

Apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland www.saas.gov.uk

Both young and mature students from the UK taking a full-time degree in an Allied Health Profession are eligible for free tuition fees, and a living cost support package made up of a Department of Health means-tested bursary and a non means-tested student loan. Funding differs for those who have received support for previous study. Scottish domiciled students should apply to SAAS. Students not domiciled in Scotland would apply to their local body (see above) for the student loan element and to SAAS for the fees and bursary element of this package. Courses in this category are – Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Speech and Language Therapy, Dietetics and Diagnostic & Therapeutic Radiography. In Scotland, Audiology is not regarded as an Allied Health Profession.

NURSING STUDENTS

Apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotlandwww.saas.gov.uk Students from all parts of the UK taking full-time degrees in Nursing are eligible for free tuition fees and a non means-tested bursary. Students who have dependents may receive additional allowances.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Before accepting a place, international students are advised to investigate all possible sources of financial help from their own country. Additional advice may be sought from local Embassies, High Commissions and British Council Offices. Financial help may also be available through international charities. For further information please consult the International Student section for perspective students on the QMU website at www.qmu.ac.uk.

INDIVIDUAL LEARNING ACCOUNTS

If you are over 16 and live in Scotland you may be eligible for funding of up to £500 from ILA Scotland if you intend to study on a part-time basis. This is a Scottish Government scheme that helps anyone who earns less than £22,000 a year to pay for their learning. Your first step is to register with ILA Scotland. For further information see the ILA website http://www.ilascotland.org.uk or contact studentfunding@qmu.ac.uk

You must be in receipt of funding from ILA before the start of your course. ILA account details and course information must be given to Karen Inglis, Finance Office Manager as soon as you have matriculated. Once your account has been registered by QMU you will receive a Learning Token from ILA within 10 working days. This must be signed and returned to Karen Inglis immediately. Failure to comply with ILA conditions may make you liable for the full fees.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Queen Margaret University is pleased to offer a number of opportunities to apply for Scholarships and Bursaries for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.