Funding for part-time study

Part-time students at colleges or universities usually have to pay the fees themselves.
Students who are unemployed or on a low income may not have to pay fees.
More information on who qualifies is available from the institutions. Contact details are available from Contact details for Further Education colleges and Contact details for Universities.
If you earn less than £18,000 you may qualify for an Individual Learning Account to support your part time learning

Bursaries

Bursaries are not usually given to part-time students at colleges or universities. However, part-time students in Further Education can apply to their college for a means tested bursary which is for the cost of travel, books and equipment and exams.

Funding for the Open University

Open University students usually pay their own fees.

However, the Open University may help towards fees for students on low incomes or receiving benefits.

Other support may be available in the form of:

tax relief
support from employers
student loan of £500 from the Scottish Government. For more information, visit the Students Awards Agency for Scotland website.
Individual Learning Account of up to £500

The leaflet 'Financial Support for Open University Study' is available from any Open University regional centre or is available via the Open University website.

Part-time Employment

Many students need to work part-time to add to their income while studying.

The Student Unions of many Further and Higher Education institutions run 'job agencies' for students who are looking for part-time and vacation work.

If your total yearly earnings fall below the level at which Income Tax is paid, you should ask your employer or local Inland Revenue Office for a student tax exemption form - P38 (S).