Financing for equity in higher education
SCOTLAND
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
In the United Kingdom, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education was 79.73% in 2022. In 2021, initial government funding per tertiary student amounted to 38.88% of GDP per capita. Data on initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 3.22% in 2021.
Tuition-free status
Residents of Scotland do not pay tuition fees for their first undergraduate degrees. Tuition fees are charged for students resident in the rest of the United Kingdom, international students and for postgraduate education.
Governance
The Scottish Government oversees higher education in Scotland. Funding for institutions is allocated through the Scottish Funding Council, while financial support for students is provided by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Funds are distributed from the Scottish Funding Council directly to universities.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
All universities in Scotland are public institutions funded by the Scottish Government.
Allocation and equity
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) comprises several elements, including the main teaching grant, which is allocated according to the types of courses offered. This grant incorporates the Disabled Students Premium, provided to universities in proportion to the number of students with disabilities. Funding also includes support for both controlled and non-controlled student places, research and innovation, capital investment, and the Scottish Wider Access Programme, which assists adults returning to education. The Widening Access and Retention Fund supports these efforts. In addition, the SFC supports initiatives such as access to free period products and the transfer of funding to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
The SFC places strong emphasis on fair access when allocating funding, ensuring that opportunities for higher education are open and equitable across Scotland.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
The Committee for Widening Access have set a target that students from the 20% most deprived backgrounds (measured by an area-based index of deprivation) should account for 20% of full time first degree entrants to Higher Education. Universities are encouraged to set altered minimum entry requirements for vulnerable groups by the Committee but have autonomy in how they pursue the goal of widening access. For example, the University of Edinburgh uses a system of flags to priotitise applicants who may face barriers to attending university, care experienced young people and refugees and asylum seekers,. University of Glasgow guarantee an adjusted offer to applicants from students living in the most deprived areas, those estranged from family, carers, refugees and asylum seekers, and care experienced young people. Both institutions offer extensive advice through their Widening Participation staff teams and informative websites for instance the programmes to support admission at University of Glasgow.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Tuition is free for all residents, with fees paid directly to the college or university. The cost varies according to the institution or the course. For Scottish students who wish to study elsewhere in the United Kingdom, a tuition fee loan of up to GBP 9,535 may be applied for.
Students may be eligible for a bursary in addition to a student loan, with the amount awarded depending on household income. For a young student, if household income is between £0 and £20,999, the student receives a £2,000 bursary and a £9,400 loan, giving a total of £11,400. If household income is between £21,000 and £23,999, the student receives a £1,125 bursary and a £9,400 loan, giving a total of £10,525. If household income is between £24,000 and £33,999, the student receives a £500 bursary and a £9,400 loan, giving a total of £9,900. If household income is £34,000 or above, the student is not eligible for a bursary but can obtain a £8,400 loan, giving a total of £8,400.
Special considerations are made for certain groups. Support for care-experienced students applies to young people who have been looked after by their local council before turning 18. They are eligible for a funding package of GBP 11,400, which includes tuition fees, a bursary of GBP 9,000, and a special support loan of GBP 2,400. Support for estranged students applies to those young people who are estranged from their parents. These students do not need to report their parents’ income and may be eligible for a bursary of GBP 1,000 and a student loan of up to GBP 10,400. The Loan Parents’ Grant is available to students who are bringing up a child on their own, including a sibling, and provides up to GBP 1,305 per year. The Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) supports disabled students and those with additional learning needs. This allowance can be used to pay for consumables such as paper (GBP 1,725), equipment and software (GBP 5,160), and non-medical personal help (GBP 20,520).
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
The Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) can be used to cover travel expenses for students with disabilities. Scottish Government funds free bus travel for all young people under the age of 22 years who live in Scotland.
Accommodation
Care-experienced students are eligible for a Summer Accommodation Grant, which helps them to afford accommodation outside of the school semester. The grant provides up to GBP 1,330, while eligible students living with family members or friends are entitled to GBP 665.
Textbooks
While universities have hardship funds that may cover such expenses, no policies exist specifically regarding textbooks.
This profile was reviewed by Michael Cairney, MA, CEID Edinburgh University; and national expert David Watt.
