Student Awards Agency for Scotland - Childcare Allowance for Parents

SAAS Childcare Allowance for Parents

Whilst studying full-time in Scotland, you will receive up to £1,215 per year (about 1,400 EUR) to cover your childcare costs. As this is a grant, you do not have to repay it and you can receive it for each academic year. The money is provided by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), the official Scottish body for student finance, in addition to your regular student grant.

Who can apply

• Your studies: You are a full-time student on a Bachelor’s degree programme or are studying for a ‘Professional Graduate Diploma in Education’ (PGDE, the Scottish teacher training course). You are already receiving financial support from the SAAS.
• Where you live: You are eligible for SAAS student finance, which means that you are ordinarily resident in Scotland and have settled or authorised residence status.
• You have a child in childcare: Your child attends an approved childcare facility, such as a nursery, a childminder’s home or an after-school club approved by the Care Inspectorate.
• You pay for the care: You cover at least part of the childcare costs yourself.
• Field of study: All participants are eligible to take part.
• Nationality: There are no restrictions, provided you meet the above SAAS residence and status requirements.

How to apply

You apply for the grant online via your SAAS account, together with your general application for student finance. Please submit your application by 30 June to ensure the funds are available when you start your studies. Applications submitted after this deadline will be accepted until 30 March of the following academic year; however, your funding may not be received until later.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a merit-based scholarship, but a fixed grant scheme. If you are studying full-time in Scotland, have a child in a registered nursery and receive SAAS funding, you are eligible for this grant. Your chances of being successful depend on you meeting these criteria and applying in good time. You should therefore apply by 30 June so that you can receive the grant from the start of your academic year.