Apply for further education grants

Further education grants are available through the Aberdeenshire Educational Trust, and can be used if you are in further or higher education, or doing a post graduate scholarship.

The grants can be used towards the following costs:

• Entrance fees
• Examination fees
• Cost of books, equipment, special clothing and other items specifically required for course
• Accommodation costs for living away from home during term time only - please note living expenses such as utilities are not covered
• Travel to college or university

Eligibility

Not all areas of Aberdeenshire are covered by this grant, please check if you live within the boundary area.

To be eligible for a further education grant you must be a young or an independent student, and your income must not exceed £34,000 per year.

To be considered a young student you must:

• Be under the age of 25 at the start of the academic year
• Not have supported yourself financially outside of education for 3 years
• Not be married, in a civil partnership or living with a partner 
• Have no dependent children

If you don’t meet the young student criteria, you’re classed as an independent student.

If your household income exceeds £34,000 per year, then you will not be eligible for a grant payment.

What counts as household income

Find out what counts as household income for young and independent students.

How much you can get

The table below shows the amount of grant you might be eligible for subject to meeting all the relevant criteria. 

How to apply

We can only consider your application if you have officially started your studies. You will be required to provide proof of enrolment at college or university.

As part of your application, you will have to provide supporting information. We will email you what we need you to provide after your application is submitted.

Apply for a further education grant

What happens next

Applications will be assessed, and we will send applicants an email to confirm whether they meet the criteria for a grant.

Grants will be paid directly to the applicant once we have received confirmation that they have started their course.

Contact

For more information or help with completing the forms, please contact asataet@aberdeenshire.gov.uk. You can also get in touch by writing to us at:

Aberdeenshire Council
Aberdeenshire Support and Advice Team
PO Box 18533
Inverurie AB51 3WA