Young Student
Financial Support

Tuition Fees (no repayments)

In Scotland, tuition fees are Government-funded with no repayments for students. It is rare for students to pay tuition fees in Scotland. In England they cost over £9,000 each year.

Living Costs

Young Student Bursary (no repayments)

If you normally live in Scotland and are under the age of 25 before starting your degree, you could receive up to £2,000 each year of your course. The amount you get depends on your household income (check the table). A bursary means the money does not have to be repaid. 

Student Loan (repayment needed)

You can apply for a student loan of up to £5,750 per year. The amount you get depends on your household income (check the table) and you need to pay it back.

You only start repaying when you’ve finished university and earn over £25,000 per year (from April 2021). For example, if you were earning £27,000 per year, you’d pay back £15 per month. And if you stop working, the repayments stop automatically. See examples on repaying your student loan on the GOV.UK website.

Young Student Bursary and Student Loans for 2020/21

Grants and Bursaries (no repayments)

If you’ve been in care: You could receive the Care Experienced Student Bursary, which is £8,100 per year as of 2020.  You don’t have to pay this money back, and it’s not based on what you earn.   But if you do get the bursary, you can’t apply for a Student Loan. 

If you’re estranged from your parents: If you’re no longer in contact or there’s been a permanent breakdown in your relationship, see Support for Students Estranged from their Parents. 

If you act as a carer: There are living cost grants available for students who act as carers for dependent adults. See Support for Student Carers. You can also apply for additional funding from the University Discretionary Fund.

Disabled students’ allowance: If you have additional expenses because of a disability, a long-term medical condition or learning difficulties, check out the Disabled Students’ Allowance.

Scholarships and Awards (no repayments)

• The Dundee Education Trust gives bursary awards of £300. Visit the website to download an application form.

• Scholarships don’t have to be repaid but may have conditions such as which course you study. Check our Scholarship pages to find out more.

When to Apply

It’s best to apply for funding as soon as you apply for your degree. The earlier the better. You can apply for all funding at the same time: student loans, grants, bursaries and tuition fees.

Help and Advice

We're here to help. For advice on funding, email advisory@abertay.ac.uk or phone 01382 308833. Appointments are available by Skype or telephone.