Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) - Lone Parents Grant

Lone Parents' Grant (University of Edinburgh)

As a single parent studying for your first higher education qualification in Scotland, you will receive up to approximately 1,550 EUR per year (£1,305). The exact amount depends on your income, although any earnings you receive whilst studying will not be taken into account. This support is provided by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), the Scottish Government’s agency responsible for student finance. It is paid on top of any other student grants you may receive. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can also apply for the separate childcare allowance for single parents, which covers up to approximately 1,440 EUR (£1,215) per year for registered childcare.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are studying to obtain your first (bachelor’s) degree.
• Where you study: You are studying in Scotland and meet the eligibility criteria as a Scottish student. If you are from England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you must submit your application to your own funding body instead.
• Your family situation: You are a single parent raising a child on your own, or you are a single parent who is legally responsible for a younger sibling.
• Living together: The child or sibling lives with you for at least half the time.
• Status of the child or sibling: The child or sibling does not have a job, does not receive a grant for secondary or higher education, and does not attend a non-advanced course comprising more than 12 hours per week.
• Income: The amount of funding depends on your income; however, only income from assets and pensions is taken into account. Your income whilst studying, as well as any social security benefits, is not taken into account.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.

How to apply

You apply for the grant via SAAS, and the University of Edinburgh’s Scholarships and Financial Support team will arrange the payment. There is no fixed application deadline. Applications remain open until funds are exhausted; therefore, please apply as early as possible. You will need your child’s or sibling’s full birth certificate, as well as proof that you are living alone, such as a notice confirming your entitlement to the single-person discount on council tax.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is very narrowly defined. You must be a Scottish undergraduate student who is a single parent or has sole custody, which means that the group of eligible applicants remains small. If you clearly meet these criteria and can provide evidence of this, your chances are good, as this grant is means-tested and is not awarded on a competitive basis. Apply early, as payments will cease once the annual funding has been exhausted.