Edinburgh Napier University

Finance, Fees & Funding

Sometimes it’s difficult to work out exactly how you’ll cope financially when you start to study. There are so many things to think about. Your main financial concerns are covered in this section. If you cannot find out the information you are looking for contact Student Funding Support or simpy contact Edinburgh Napier.

The main thing to remember is to plan your finances properly, manage your money well and if you do get into difficulty, don’t bury your head in the sand – get help!

UK / EU Students

Scottish and EU students, studying for a first degree at a Scottish University, do not pay tuition fees. You must, however, apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have these paid on your behalf; otherwise you will become liable for payment. If you are not entitled to have your fees paid, the amount you pay will depend on your course and, perhaps, your family income. Fees for full-time courses around £1,860 each year at present (2009/10).

Tuition fees will be charged to students coming from England, Wales and Northern Ireland studying for a first degree at a Scottish university, but you can apply for a Student Loan for Tuition Fees.

If you require more information on tuition fees please contact SAAS if you normally live in Scotland, your LEA (if you normally live in England or Wales) or ELB (if you normally live in Northern Ireland). 

SAAS student support application forms are available directly from the SAAS or from Edinburgh Napier University, your School or College. You must apply each year of your course. You can apply for student support online or download an application form from the SAAS website.

International Students (non UK / non EU)

If you are an international student, you can receive further information on tuition fee status and possible external sources of funding at The UK Council of International Student Affairs website or contact our International Office.

Living Costs

Just what does it cost to be a student in Edinburgh? Look at the figures below and you’ll see that Edinburgh actually compares really well with other UK cities. Below is a breakdown of some of your monthly study costs. Much of the following information relates to UK students only. This is only a guide, as the costs will vary according to your own lifestyle choices.

Rent / Mortgage (£246); Food (£99); Heating / Lighting (£30); Telephone (£30); Travel (Bus Pass) (£35); Clothing / Toiletries (£39); Course Costs (£20); Social (£79); Insurance (£5)
Average Monthly Costs - £582

Advice in preparing a realistic budget and all other aspects of money management and debt counselling is available from ISAS at Edinburgh Napier’s Student Association.

Funding

Student Loans
Loans are the main way to obtain financial help with your living costs. Student loan repayments take into account inflation so the amount you repay will be worth the same as what you borrowed. You start repaying your loan, after you graduate and once you start to earn over £10,000 a year.

Repayments will be collected from your salary along with tax and National Insurance contributions. Application forms and full details on how to apply for student support (i.e. student loans, fees, Young Person’s Bursary and any supplementary grants) are available from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS), or if you are normally resident in England, Wales or Northern Ireland from your Local Education Authority. You can find out more about information in our Student Loans section.

Career Development Loans
If you can’t get any other form of funding, you can apply for a Career Development Loan. It is similar to a student loan (the money is provided by the government but you can apply through specific banks. For more information or to obtain a Career Development Loan pack contact the CDL information line: Freephone 0800 585 505..  

Supplementary Grants
You may be entitled to one of the following supplementary grants. Full details are in the Guide to Student Support that comes with the support application form. These grants don’t have to be repaid and include:

• Dependant’s grant
• Lone parent’s grant
• Additional Childcare grant for lone parents
• Help for students leaving care
• Disabled students’ allowance

Discretionary Fund
The Scottish Executive provides each University with a Hardship Fund to help students who might feel unable to continue with their programme of study because of money problems. Application forms are available from all main campus receptions and Edinburgh Napier Support.

Tax Credits
You and your family could be entitled to more money through Tax Credits. If you are responsible for at least one child you will be entitled to claim the Child Tax credit whether or not you are in paid work. If you work more than 16 hours a week you could be eligible for Working Tax Credit. Extra help is available to those who have a disability or who are caring for children with a disability. You can find out more by calling the Inland Revenue helpline on 0845 300 3900 or visit the Inland Revenue website.

Childcare
You can claim for help towards the cost of formal, registered childcare through:

• Higher Education Childcare Fund
• Edinburgh Napier Childcare Fund -  a small fund, provided by Edinburgh Napier University, to help those who are unable to get help with childcare costs from any other source
• Trust Funds or Scholarships

Application forms are available from Childcare Support.

Trust Funds or Scholarships
Trust funds are a possible way of topping up your finances. These are sums of money set aside by individuals or organisations to help particular types of people, including students. Finding a trust fund that matches with your circumstances is important if you want to apply. Visit our  Scholarships and Bursaries page for information about some of the trusts known to Edinburgh Napier.

International Students Scholarships
For information contact the International Office.

State Benefits
Most full-time students can’t claim state benefits. If you are 'not required to be available for work' (mainly people with disabilities or lone parents) you may be able to claim benefits including Housing Benefit and Income Support / Incapacity Benefit. Full-time students do not pay Council Tax. Discounts may be available depending on living arrangements. Please check with Edinburgh City Council.

Student Discount
Finally, don’t forget about student discounts – use your matriculation card whenever and wherever you can, and make use of the subsidised canteens at Edinburgh Napier.

For more information on funding contact the Student Funding Office on 08452 60 60 40 or pick up the leaflet 'Show me the Money' available from campus receptions.