Student Awards Agency for Scotland - Dependants’ Allowance

Dependants' Allowance (SAAS Scotland)

You will receive a grant of up to about 4,235 EUR per academic year (up to 3,640 GBP) if you are supporting other people whilst studying. This grant supplements the scholarship for students training as paramedics, nurses and midwives and does not need to be repaid, provided that the income of your dependants remains within the specified limit. If you have more than one dependant, you will receive an additional 557 GBP (approximately 650 EUR) for each further person. The money comes from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), the government body that provides financial support to students in Scotland.

Who can apply

• Course: You are studying paramedicine, nursing or midwifery full-time at a university in Scotland.
• Where you study: Your degree programme takes place in Scotland. A degree programme in England, Wales or Northern Ireland does not count.
• Residence: You normally live in Scotland. Applicants of any nationality may apply, provided they meet the usual SAAS residence requirements.
• Registration: You are not yet registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
• You support someone: You have at least one dependant. This means: a partner on a low income, an adult for whom you are registered as a carer, or (if you are single) a child who lives with you for at least half the time and is dependent on you.

How to apply

You apply for the grant online via SAAS as part of your main application for a scholarship for students training as paramedics, nurses or midwives. SAAS initially pays out the grant based on the estimated income of your dependants. At the end of the academic year, you will be asked to provide evidence of your actual income. If this turns out to be higher than estimated, you may have to repay part of the grant.

How realistic are your chances?

This is an entitlement, not a selection process. The benefit is granted to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, not just the best applicants. If you are studying nursing, midwifery or paramedicine in Scotland, are ordinarily resident there and are actually caring for a dependant, you should be entitled to this benefit. The exact amount depends on your dependant’s income; the main reason for a reduction is therefore if that person earns more than 1,160 GBP per year.