40,000 students are still to apply for funding support through the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The 2017-2018 applications must go in now and before 30 June 2017 if they want their funding in place for the start of their course.

This year SAAS launched the new SAAS Student Account which allows students to manage their applications from their mobile and desktop devices and within one portal. This has also enabled SAAS to offer online applications for all Post Graduate students, and SAAS have introduced a new non-income assessed bursary for Care Experienced undergraduate students.

Who Cares?Scotland Chief Executive, Duncan Dunlop, said:

“We are delighted that Care Experienced people are being offered a new bursary from 2017. Having the right support in place from the start of their course can make a big difference in how they settle in, so I’m urging everyone to apply to SAAS as soon as possible, and before 30 June.”

“Care Experienced people have so much potential but the neglect and trauma they have been exposed to often means that isn’t realised in our classrooms and lecture theatres.  This bursary is Corporate Parenting in action.  Scottish Government has called for a root and branch review of care and I’m hopeful that as a result we will see all Care Experienced people offered a stable and loving home that is full of encouragement.”  

SAAS have extended their opening hours to help and support students through the registration and application process, please ring the SAAS helpline on 0300 555 0505. Helpline opening hours are 8:30am – 8:00pm from Monday 26 June to Friday 30 June 2017.

Visit www.saas.gov.uk now for more information and to complete applications