Tuesday 16-02-2021 - 15:20

What you can Apply for and How to Apply

Hi everyone

Hope all going well with coursework and everyone is feeling mentally positive.

I thought I would put together a blog to explain in one easy page what funds and resources are available for you and how to apply. Trying to apply for funds can be quite daunting especially when you’re feeling stressed and overworked with uni work anyway, never mind a pandemic causing an increase in anxiety.

This blog should explain what finance is available to you as a student, including Home students (students from Scotland), RUK (Students from everywhere else in the UK other than Scotland), EU and International Students.

If you are unsure if you fit the criteria for any of these funds or unsure either contact the funding team or apply anyway as each application will be taken on a case by case basis.

Quite a few students have asked me if they can apply to the Common Good Fund, so for clarity The Common Good Fund is not a fund you would apply to for financial help, the Common Good Fund is the medium by which the university raise funds and these funds go to support priority areas of student needs via the student funding team.  The funds raised are transferred to student funding and the funds will essentially top up funds like the hardship or discretionary funds. Students would then apply to the funds set out below.

*********NEW WINTER COVID FUND**********

This fund is open to ALL students; INTERNATIONAL, HOME, UK, EU (with the exception of nursing students who can still apply for the Nursing Discretionary Fund)

The Scottish Government has supplied a large pot of money to support All students (with the exception of nursing students), it is there to support any student who has impacted financially by COVID-19. If you have in any way been impacted financially by COVID-19 you are eligible to apply to this fund.

Please apply by filling in the below application and send it to funding@gcu.ac.uk.

Winter COVID Fund word

Winter COVID Fund pdf

HOME STUDENT and UK STUDENTS

The Discretionary Fund  is available for Scottish Students and RUK Students. Apply here.

Some groups of students are given priority, including; those Impacted financially by Covid19, Final-year students, Care experienced students, Students with at least one dependent child, Students who are carers, Postgraduate students who receive tuition fee support from SAAS, Part-time students and Estranged students.

Remember if you are a Scottish or EU Student you can still apply for funding through SAAS  if you haven’t already done so I have included further information on funding for full time students by clicking here.

If you are funding your own fees and are struggling to pay these, then please contact the finance team for advice and support.

Part-time students can only apply to the Discretionary Fund for help towards study costs, travel to GCU/placement and registered childcare whilst attending classes or placement.

LAPTOPS/IT EQUIPMENT/DONGLES FOR HOME & UK STUDENTS

If you are struggling financially and require IT equipment to study your course online, you can apply to this scheme for a loan of a laptop or other IT equipment (including dongle if you have no Wi-Fi access). Any equipment loaned under this scheme must be returned to GCU at the end of your course. Priority will be given to students with a low household income, although all circumstances will be considered, such as sharing of laptops with other household members.

Access the application form for funding for IT equipment for home students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The EU and International Support Fund is there to support our EU and International students in severe financial hardship. If you meet this criteria then please apply using this application EU & International Support Fund Word or for further details click here

If you are an international student and are struggling to pay your fees please contact the finance team for advice and support. 

LAPTOPS/IT EQUIPMENT/DONGLES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

If you are an EU or International student in severe financial hardship and require IT equipment to study your course online, you can apply to this scheme for a loan of a laptop or other IT equipment (including dongle if you have no Wi-Fi access). Any equipment loaned under this scheme must be returned to GCU at the end of your course. 

Access the application to apply for IT Equipment here or apply using these application forms >  EU & International Support Fund Word

EU & International Support Fund PDF

NURSING STUDENTS

The Nursing Discretionary Fund

The Discretionary Fund is there to support students struggling financially. If you meet the criteria and are struggling, then please apply by downloading the application form for Discretionary Fund. This is the same application as the Discretionary fund, so please ensure you are ticking ‘Nursing’ at the top of the form.

Undergraduate nursing students can apply to the Nursing Discretionary Fund for extra help towards study and living costs. Please note these funds are limited and you must have taken out full SAAS/LEA funding in order to apply.

I hope this helps and makes applying a bit clearer, if you need help or are unsure what you can apply for, contact the University here  or you can email the Funding Team at funding@gcu.ac.uk or call on +44 141 273 1376. Alternatively book an appointment vide the online appointment booking system to speak to one of the advisors regarding either funding or sholarsips. 

Money problems can feel overwhelming - If you need to talk to someone in confidence about your money worries then don’t hesitate to make contact with our Student Advisers who can provide a supportive ear and help you identify the options you may have and where you can get further help.

For a full list of funding and finance go to the GCU Funding Page

Good luck with your coursework and stay safe!

Susan Docherty

Student President