UK Government 2025 Discretionary Fund at University of St Andrews

UK Students who have financial difficulties can apply to the Support Fund. This is a fund given to us by the government to assist both undergraduate and postgraduate students. 

• Table of Content
• About University of St Andrews
• University of St Andrews Discretionary Fund
• Aim and Benefits of University of St Andrews Discretionary Fund
• Requirements for University of St Andrews Discretionary Fund Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for University of St Andrews Discretionary Fund
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About University of St Andrews

St Andrews is a unique and captivating place, and the University is a key part of its charm. Seven centuries of history link the students with the town, leading to the ancient and yet modern institution apparent today. For those interested in visiting or moving to St Andrews, we recommend taking a look at the town information, which describes the facilities and opportunities open to the local community. You can also find information about the University’s governance, history, and strategy for the future in the sections below.... continue reading

University of St Andrews Discretionary Fund

Application Deadline	13 Jul 2025
Country to study	United Kingdom
School to study	University of St. Andrews
Type	Postgraduate
Sponsor	University of St Andrews
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of University of St Andrews Discretionary Fund

We aim to give priority to certain groups of students:

• Students with at least one dependent child
• Care-experienced students
• Estranged students
• Students who are carers
• Students with extra costs due to health and disability.

We also aim to make awards to students who can show to us that their essential expenditure exceeds their income.

Requirements for University of St Andrews Discretionary Fund Qualification

Study level: Available to students studying at Undergraduate and postgraduate

Domicile for fee status: Scotland home, Rest of UK

Additional criteria

Students will be required to provide and upload supporting evidence relevant to their individual situation.

All students must provide:

• Bank Statement
  •  A copy of their most recent bank statement showing 1 month’s transactions - this can be an online statement but must show the bank's logo and the student's name. We cannot accept Excel spreadsheets. If you have more than one account, statements from all your accounts are required 
• Utility bill statement – gas, electricity, Internet, mobile phone (dated within the last 1 to 2 months)

The following statements/questions replace the need to upload a personal statement and are designed to ensure that a Money Adviser can quickly and accurately review your application:

1. Provide a brief statement on your current financial situation
2. Provide details on what you require financial assistance with (i.e.. rent, tuition, childcare, living costs, etc.)
3. What options have you already explored prior to submitting an application (e.g., overdraft, family, third-party, employment, delaying payments, etc.)?
4. How long can you cover your expenses for if you do not receive additional funds?
5. If you have applied for discretionary funds already this academic year, describe why you need additional support.
6. Do you anticipate that this is a one-off shortfall or an ongoing situation?

All information given will be treated in strictest confidence.

Funded UK students’ additional evidence required:

• Scottish students
  • SAAS Letter of Award – you can download this from the SAAS website after you have logged on to your online account. Please note: we cannot accept your Student Loan letter as it does not show any bursary that you may receive.
• RUK students
  • SFE/SFNI/SFW letter of award – showing a breakdown of Tuition Fees, Student Maintenance Loan and any Student Grant you receive. We require either the hard copy which has been sent to your home address or you can download this information from your online account.

Students living in private rented property must provide:

• Copy of rent agreement

Interview date, Process and Venue for University of St Andrews Discretionary Fund

1. Application assessment: Financial need (Hardship, means tested)

2. Available to: Current students

3. Mode of study: Full time, Part time - daytime

4. Geographical criteria: Scotland (UK/Home), England (UK), Northern Ireland (UK), Wales (UK)

Application Deadline

July 13, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to University of St Andrews on www.st-andrews.ac.uk to apply

Access to the online Application will be via the Scholarships and Funding Section on MySaint. Student Services will assess all applications and allocate awards to successful applicants based on the information provided. Students may be required to attend an interview with a Student Services Adviser and will be contacted by email to arrange this. Students can apply more than once during the academic year. Students are required to enter their bank details via MySaint to facilitate any payment.

For more details visit: University of St Andrews website.