Scottish students suffering financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis are set to benefit from a £30 million funding boost.
The Scottish Government has pledged £20 million to support scholars experiencing hardship while a further £10 million has been also been allocated to universities and colleges for income lost in providing rent rebates.
Adding to the financial aid, the Scottish Funding Council will also repurpose £5 million of funding towards discretionary support for further education students in college.
Financial impact on students hailed as ‘significant’
Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, said he believed that the cash injection would help to alleviate the financial strain faced by many in education.
“The impact of the pandemic on students has been significant.
“Not only has there been disruption to their education, we know that many students face financial difficulties with accommodation, associated costs or challenges in getting jobs.
“This additional £20 million will help to alleviate the financial pressure and stress facing many of our students.”
He continued: “We are also supporting institutions, many of which have lost revenue by giving students rent refunds or rebates, with an additional £10 million.
“This announcement builds on the £37 million package of support the Scottish Government has already provided to support students during the pandemic.”
Funding praised by educational bodies
Details of how the £20 million will be distributed is expected to be announced in due course, however, the announcement has been welcomed by educational bodies.
Speaking of the news, Matt Crilly, president of NUS Scotland, said: “NUS Scotland welcomes this crucial support from the Scottish Government at a time when students are struggling.
“We know many of the traditional sources of student income have been decimated during the pandemic, so it is a relief to know there will be additional funding for those experiencing hardship.
“This support is essential in helping Scotland uphold its commitment to fair access to education.
“While Scotland has made important advances in recent years towards widening access to further and higher education, the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities and threatens to erode this progress.
“This funding helps ensure we are not only supporting students from all backgrounds into education but also helping them stay in education.”
His sentiments were echoed by Shona Struthers, chief executive officer of Colleges Scotland, who hailed the funds as ‘much-needed’ by many of Scotland’s students.
“We welcome any additional funding to support college students across Scotland at this incredibly difficult time,” she added.
“Many of our students are learning from home and with additional financial hardship caused by the pandemic – we are sure that the much-needed additional funds from Scottish Government will prove beneficial to students during this lockdown period.
“Colleges Scotland will work on behalf of the sector to highlight ongoing challenges.”
Finding debt help
Students struggling with debt can access free advice and support from Carrington Dean.
As Scotland’s debt specialists our team are experienced in offering confidential and impartial debt advice to those in need.
