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Original poster

Can anyone help me with student funding?

26 replies

ssd · 22/09/2020 16:02

Specifically for a masters degree in Scotland?

My question is, I know ds has to pay for his masters as funding isn't available, but as we're a low income family, does he still get the bursary he got when doing his degree?

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Original poster
ssd · 22/09/2020 16:10

SAAS are very difficult to contact right now. Live chat is hopeless, phoning gives a recilorded message and asking via the student portal is taking forever.

I just wondered if anyone here knew.

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Veescience · 22/09/2020 16:23

There are different types of bursary still available. Also funding is available as a tuition fee loan for Masters up to £5500 split over the duration of the course which might cover some of it

Original poster
ssd · 22/09/2020 17:46

He's taken the loan to cover the fees. What other bursarys are available, he's only seen very specific ones which are available for a very very limited number of people. Do you mean the means tested bursary, based on parental income, he got before isn't available to post grads?

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prettybird · 22/09/2020 18:21

I think my niece successfully looked for funding for her Masters (something to do with fish/the environment) from some private sector companies. Not sure if covered everything but it went a long way Smile

Original poster
ssd · 22/09/2020 19:33

He's not seen any available funding, I can imagine with covid most companies won't be offering any just now anyway.

It's the means tested bursary I am wondering about. I can't see why it's given for 4 years of a degree course then not given to post grads who are also having to pay their fees.

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soloula · 22/09/2020 19:56

No advice about funding but I've found SAAS to be easier to get hold of via DM on Twitter. I think they have a dedicated social media team and get the feeling they're less overwhelmed there than other arms of the org atm. I don't know what it's like now but I had several emails go unanswered in July but resolved within a few days via twitter.

Original poster
ssd · 22/09/2020 21:05

Thanks

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Original poster
ssd · 22/09/2020 21:06

I don't use twitter. Would a direct message to them be seen by everyone or is it private?

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Sarahandduck18 · 22/09/2020 21:15

It used to be that students had to get a career development loan to do a masters.

WaxOnFeckOff · 22/09/2020 21:17

I found this - not sure if you've already read it? I've not so no idea if it answers your questions:

www.saas.gov.uk/files/285/saas-guide-to-postgraduate-funding.pdf

Original poster
ssd · 22/09/2020 21:17

It's a student loan now

I joined twitter, but how do I connect with SAAS, I typed them in the search bar but can't find them

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Original poster
ssd · 22/09/2020 21:20

Thanks wax, I'll check it out but I think I've already read it

My question of whether he still gets a bursary as we are a low income family isn't covered in it.
He got the bursary doing his degree but I'm not sure if he gets it now doing a masters

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WaxOnFeckOff · 22/09/2020 21:25

From the quick glance, it looks like no bursaries, student loan and fees paid.

Scotslassie1 · 22/09/2020 21:27

You could ask the uni also as sometimes they find the cash to support pupils doing the masters, who need it.

Original poster
ssd · 22/09/2020 21:42

Thanks again wax, that was really helpful, I hadn't see it before. I don't think he gets a bursary now which is a bugger.

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WaxOnFeckOff · 22/09/2020 21:51

What is it he is hoping to do ssd?

DS1 is doing a 5 year all in one MEng thing, though he has the option to finish early with the honours degree - I've not really though about how the finance works but e doesn't get a bursary anyway.

Original poster
ssd · 22/09/2020 21:55

History wax. I really thought he'd get the bursary continued but I think I'm wrong.

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CorianderLord · 22/09/2020 22:01

Seems he can get an additional £4,500 living loan if eligible?

I doubt the bursary would be awarded, MA degrees don't tend to be tested off your parents income as you're considered independent at that age and most people work alongside it. At least in England they do (which could be a pointless comparison as I don't know the Scottish system).

Can anyone help me with student funding?
WaxOnFeckOff · 22/09/2020 22:02

That's a shame, is this for next year? Any chance of him being able to maybe get some work and save a bit? Not the best year for it right enough. Could he live at home?

CorianderLord · 22/09/2020 22:02

That photos quite blurry. Here's the link:

www.saas.gov.uk/files/285/saas-guide-to-postgraduate-funding.pdf

Original poster
ssd · 22/09/2020 22:08

Tbh he's doing what he wants, he's independent now and has his head firmly on. He'll know what to do for the best for him and I let him get on with it, he knows much more than me, I'm just asking here for my benefit, he's probably aware of all this.
I'm really proud of him. We left school in 4th Yr...

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WaxOnFeckOff · 22/09/2020 22:18

The might be grown independent adults (and we treat them as that) but they are always our babies in our hearts. Now I know how my mum felt when I left home :)

He's done so well for himself and I bet you are proud.

Original poster
ssd · 22/09/2020 22:48

Thank you. Yes, he's still one of my babies, although I don't get away with helping him out too much, though I keep trying Grin

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WaxOnFeckOff · 22/09/2020 22:55

My elder DS at age 20 would still be happy being carried about, fed by spoon and washed and dressed - obviously I don't! :o

Younger has always been more independent and has moved away - I try to give both their space.

Original poster
ssd · 22/09/2020 23:02

I try too, sometimes I don't get a choice Grin

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