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Bursaries

A Further Education (FE) Bursary can help with the costs of studying a full-time, non-advanced college course. The bursary is a grant and does not need to be repaid.

Funding is limited and awarded on a first come, first served basis. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.

Who can apply?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are above statutory school leaving age and have left school
  • Are studying a full-time, non-advanced course up to National Certificate (NC) level
  • Meet the residency requirements for student funding in Scotland

What support is available?

Depending on your circumstances, a bursary may include:

  • Maintenance Allowance to help with living and accommodation costs
  • Travel Allowance to help with travel costs
  • Materials Allowance for books, equipment and course materials (up to £275)
  • Course Fees where applicable

Some elements of the bursary are means-tested.

Types of Award

The support available depends on your age, living arrangements and personal circumstances:

  • Fees Only for eligible students aged 18 and over studying at UHI Orkney
  • Travel and Materials for students aged 16 to 17 who live with parents or carers
  • Full Bursary including maintenance, travel and materials support
  • Care Experienced Bursary for eligible care-experienced students

How to apply

Apply online at orkney.gov.uk/StudentFunding

You will normally need to provide:

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
  • College acceptance letter
  • Evidence of household income (if required)

Applications should be submitted as early as possible, as funding is limited.

Important Information

Funding is not guaranteed, even if you are eligible and applications are processed in the order they are received.

  • Complete applications received within six weeks of the course start date may be backdated to the beginning of the course.

Related resources

  • Part-time courses and courses above NC level are not eligible for FE Bursary funding from Orkney Islands Council.

    • Related resources

    • Student Funding Application Guidance 2026 - 2027

      This document contains guidance for applying for Education Maintenance Allowance and Further Education Bursary funding from Orkney Islands Council for 2026 to 2027. It explains eligibility, household income checks, care-experienced support, application forms, required evidence, payment schedules and attendance rules. It also covers what happens after applying, changes to awards, overpayments, appeals and frequently asked questions.

      Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

      Download PDF (462.7 kB) View plain text
    • Student Funding Application 2026-2027

      This document contains the 2026/27 application form for Education Maintenance Allowance and further education bursaries from Orkney Islands Council. It covers funding options, applicant and course details, residency, education history, student status, household circumstances and income. It also includes declarations, consent, bank details and a checklist of supporting evidence, such as proof of identity, residency, care experience, college entry and income.

      Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

      Download PDF (669.6 kB) View plain text

    Skills Development Scotland (SDS)

    01856 872460

    Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS)

    0300 555 0505

    Payments

    Approved bursaries are normally paid in 10 monthly instalments.

    Payments depend on:

    • Attendance
    • Engagement with studies
    • Satisfactory progress