Will the new academic year start as planned in September 2020?
Our start date is unchanged – the new academic year will begin on Monday 7 September for all students. We will be following Scottish Government guidelines on precisely how our campuses and facilities will be operating but we are committed to doing all we can to provide students with the best possible experience over the next academic year.
Will this year's graduation ceremonies take place as scheduled?
Our summer and autumn 2020 graduation ceremonies in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall have been postponed due to the impact of the coronavirus.
Graduation ceremonies are the highlight of our academic year but we have taken this difficult decision for the safety of our students and staff.
Any students due to graduate in 2020 should register to graduate in absentia, and they will be given the opportunity to return, if they wish, to attend our a future ceremony to celebrate with their family and friends.
Students will be sent an email advising of how to apply to graduate in absentia, so please do watch out for this message.
If you have any further questions about graduations, please email graduations@napier.ac.uk.
I want to suspend/withdraw from my studies and return home. What should I do?
We understand the anxiety that some students (and their families) may have at the present time. We would like to reassure students that the University is acting on the advice of public health officials and that our student’s welfare is our highest priority. At this time our teaching is continuing and we believe students should feel able to continue with their studies in safety. Should you still wish to discuss suspending or withdrawing from your studies we would in the first instance encourage you to review the guidance and support published here.
What is the University doing to help students who might need extra funding?
We understand that, due to current situation, many students will be unable to earn enough to meet essential living costs. The University has made funds available to help meet these costs.
If you receive a student loan from SAAS or Student Finance England, Northern Ireland or Wales you should make an application for help from the Discretionary Fund.
Nursing and Midwifery students who receive fund from SAAS or Student Finance England, Northern Ireland and Wales should make an application for help from the Nursing and Midwifery Discretionary Fund.
Students from overseas should apply for help from the International & EU Crisis Fund. Due to a high volume of applications, this fund is currently closed and may re-open if further funding becomes available. Students will be notified of any changes via social media and student newsletters.
Please note that funds are limited and a high volume of applications are anticipated. Applications should be made either online or by email. Please read instructions attached to the fund before you apply.
Please allow up to 21 days before you enquire about your application to allow staff to concentrate fully on assessment of applications. The Student Funding team will be working off campus and things may take a bit longer than usual so please be patient.
Donors, alumni and friends of the University are contributing directly to these funds through the Crisis Fund appeal. We would like to say a huge thank you to those who have supported our Crisis Fund.
All other funds are closed and you should apply to whichever fund mentioned above suits your circumstances.
Who should I contact within the University if I have any further questions about Covid-19?
We’ll issue further advice and guidance as it becomes available but, in the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns about Covid-19, email coronavirusqueries@napier.ac.uk.