SAME SAAS, NEW ACCOUNT – Apply now, only two weeks left to ensure student funding is in place on time!

Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is reminding students to submit their 2017-2018 applications now and before 30 June 2017 if they want their funding in place for the start of their course. Students should submit an accurate application through their new SAAS Account at www.saas.gov.uk and forward any necessary supporting documents via the SAAS document uploader.

With only a fortnight to go until the 30 June Guarantee Date there are still approximately 40,000 students still to apply for this year’s funding support.

This year SAAS launched the new SAAS Student Account which allows students to manage their applications from their mobile and desktop devices and within one portal. This has also enabled SAAS to offer online applications for all Post Graduate students, and SAAS are delighted to introduce a new non-income assessed bursary for Care Experienced undergraduate students from 2017.

SAAS have extended their opening hours to help and support students through the registration and application process, please ring the SAAS helpline on 0300 555 0505. Helpline opening hours are 8:30am - 8:00pm from Monday 26 June to Friday 30 June 2017.

Visit www.saas.gov.uk now for more information and to complete applications

SAAS Chief Executive, Paul Lowe said “Given the large numbers of applications that we are due to receive and process over the next few weeks I’d encourage all students both new and continuing, to apply as early as possible and before 30 June Guarantee Date, to ensure they have their funding in place for the start of their course. Even if students are still awaiting exam results and have applied for university or plan to study HNC or HND at college they should still apply now.”

Who Cares?Scotland Chief Executive, Duncan Dunlop, said "We are delighted that Care Experienced people are being offered a new bursary from 2017. Having the right support in place from the start of their course can make a big difference in how they settle in, so I’m urging everyone to apply to SAAS as soon as possible, and before 30 June.   Care Experienced people have so much potential but the neglect and trauma they have been exposed to often means that isn't realised in our classrooms and lecture theatres.  This bursary is Corporate Parenting in action.  Scottish Government has called for a root and branch review of care and I'm hopeful that as a result we will see all Care Experienced people offered a stable and loving home that is full of encouragement.”  

ENDS

Information on all aspects of student support provided by SAAS can be found at: www.saas.gov.uk     

The SLC website provides more information on student loans for Higher Education: www.slc.co.uk