Financial support for international students facing hardship in Scotland

The Scottish Government has extended the eligibility of its £22 million in Higher Education and £3 million in Further Education funds to overseas students at colleges and universities that are facing hardship due to the pandemic.

Around 50,000 international (including EU) students enrol at Scottish colleges or universities each year and they have less access to UK financial support than UK domiciled students.

The winter Covid funding for further and higher education, announced at the end of January, is available for all students facing hardship as a result of the pandemic.

Further and Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead said: “The impact on the pandemic on students has been severe, with challenges in gaining jobs, paying for housing or meeting other costs. This additional funding will help alleviate the financial pressure and stress facing many of our students.

“I am pleased that after working closely with the sector we are now able to open up the hardship funding to EU and international students, which has never previously been done, and any student with money worries should speak to their institution to find out more.”