Student Finance and Wellbeing Study (SFWS) Scotland 2023-2024: research findings summary

Introduction

The Student Finance and Wellbeing Study for Scotland 2023-2024 was commissioned by the Scottish Government, and conducted by the Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen).

The purpose of the study was to provide up to date information on the financial experiences of students in Scotland by:

• Exploring the income, expenditure, debt and savings of students in the academic year 2023-2024.
• Gathering information on students’ experiences of, and attitudes towards, student finance, financial management and the support available whilst studying.
• Understanding the impact that students’ finances have on their experiences of studying for a higher and further education course, including on their physical and mental wellbeing.
• Identifying groups of students, including those with protected characteristics, who are in, or are at risk of, financial hardship.
• Forming a baseline for any future similar surveys and provide information on student finance in Scotland prior to the introduction of any future student support policies or policy development.

This summary presents the key findings from the study’s full research report, which is available on the Scottish Government website alongside an infographic, technical report, and supporting data tables.