These students will receive support for fee loans and living costs through the standard student support system, rather than through course fees and NHS bursaries for living costs. These students will, therefore, be subject to the same student finance arrangements that apply to other undergraduates in 2017/18.This Government policy paper includes further information about transitional arrangements, and why changes have been made. Government departments in the other devolved administrations have now confirmed the position for providers in their respective jurisdictions.
Scottish providers: From 1 August 2017, UK students who choose to study in Scotland, and who are not ordinarily domiciled in Scotland, should apply to their home country for fee and living cost support. These students will receive support for fee loans and living costs through their home country’s standard student support system, rather than through SAAS. They will, therefore, be subject to the same student finance arrangements that apply to other undergraduates who are not ordinarily domiciled in Scotland in 2017/18.
Students who are ordinarily domiciled in Scotland, who choose to study in another part of the UK, should apply to Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for the standard undergraduate support package. The Scottish Government has written to all Scottish universities and colleges to explain the changes.
Welsh providers: From 1 August 2017, UK and EU students who choose to study in Wales will continue to receive the current bursary package, subject to them meeting a new eligibility requirement.
Students must now sign an agreement to work in Wales for two years post-study, to be eligible for the healthcare bursary. This will apply to all UK and EU students. If the student chooses not to agree to the two year tie-in, they will not be eligible for the healthcare bursary. They should apply to their home country for fee and living cost support, and will, therefore, be subject to the same student finance arrangements that apply to other undergraduates in 2017/18.
NI providers: From 1 August 2017, only Northern Irish and EU students will be able to apply for courses at NI providers. Bursary arrangements for these students remain in place.
Find out more about how this affects UK domiciled students studying in a different UK country.
Nursing funding changes
As communicated in bulletin 405, from 1 August 2017, UK nursing students who choose to study in England should apply to their home country for fee and living cost support.