Richard Lochhead

Extra cash will be made available to any university and college students now struggling as a result of COVID-19, including those attending private institutions.

The £5m includes an additional £2.2m for Scotland’s Higher Education (HE) Discretionary Fund specifically to address COVID-19-related hardships, which will be available to colleges and universities immediately.

University and college students will be able to apply for any emergency discretionary payments directly to their own institutions.

Richard Lochhead, further and higher education minister, said: “We are ensuring students studying in Scotland should have access to emergency support should they be facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 or the social distancing and isolation measures that have been introduced.

“All bursaries, grants and loans are continuing to be paid as planned but the current unprecedented situation has resulted in increased hardship. That is why we are making extra funding immediately available for students most in need, to help alleviate concerns around accommodation costs, mental health issues, general living costs and wellbeing.

“Institutions will be provided with specific guidance on the discretionary funding related to COVID-19, to explain all relevant details while students can access the latest information on COVID-19 on the Student Information Scotland website.”

The National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland has welcomed the announcement.

Liam McCabe, NUS Scotland president, said: “Students are facing untold disruption to their studies, work and lives, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant implications for their financial security.

“Given the financial pressure students are under, we welcome today’s announcement, which we hope will relieve some of the hardship faced by Scotland’s most vulnerable students. It’s crucial that institutions make these funds easy to access, and ensure that they are open to all students who need them.

“We must keep track of student demand for hardship funding during this pandemic to ensure that no student in need of support ever goes without.”

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