Funding your education

Scottish-domiciled students

Scottish student studying in Scotland - Eligible Scottish domiciled students studying full-time in Scotland are not required to pay tuition fees if studying for a first degree or equivalent. Contact the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for information on this and what you are required to do to secure the necessary contribution by SAAS.

Accelerated LLB students

We are aware that accelerated LLB students have previously applied for a Professional Career Development Loan through the Co-Op bank to support their career development, which was a scheme subsidised by the UK Government. Unfortunately, as of 25 January 2019, this scheme is closed. We are not aware of a similar scheme that is in operation in its place, either UK-wide or specific to Scotland. We would advise that prospective accelerated students looking for loans speak to their bank to find out if they offer any sort of comparable product available to them, or seek advice. Any new information from the UK Government will be made available on their website.

rUK (Rest of UK) students

Each institution is responsible for setting its own tuition fee rate; you should contact the institution to establish the cost of the course you wish to attend. You will be able to apply for a tuition fee loan to cover these costs from your local funding body.

Find out more about your local funding body on the UK Government website.

EU students

Eligible EU students are currently not required to pay tuition fees whilst studying in Scotland. They are not however eligible to apply for maintenance support.

In light of Brexit, we advise that all prospective students from the EU check guidance from SAAS and the Scottish Government very carefully before applying for a course. Please note that students may also wish to consider the potential impact in fees for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice course and whether new requirements around Visas for trainees may be introduced. Our information on guidance for overseas students will provide some background to why having to obtain a Visa is an essential consideration. We aim to update this section with as much information as we can as we receive it.

Diploma fees

Course fees will vary dependant on the Diploma provider you study with. For up to date course fees, visit the Diploma section of our website.  

Funding for session 2019/20

Currently, up to £10,000 will be available for any taught postgraduate course up to full Masters level at any Scottish higher education institute (HEI).

Eligible Scottish domiciles will be able access a loan up to £10,000 – comprising £5,500 for tuition fees and £4,500 for living costs.Visit the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) website for more information and details of how to apply for a loan.

Part time students should visit the SAAS website to ensure they access the up to date information relating to their eligibility to apply for a loan. Please note that in previous years, part-time students have been eligible to apply for 50% of the full tuition fee loan amount per year of study*, but have not been eligible to apply for a living-cost loan.
*assuming part-time study is undertaken over the course of two years.

Guidance for EU students

On 1st February 2018, the Scottish Government confirmed it would meet the cost of tuition fees for eligible EU students starting their course in 2019-20, for the duration of their course.

The commitment to provide tuition to EU students in academic year 2019-20 extends to all eligible EU nationals and associated groups, on eligible further education, higher education (including nursing) and postgraduate courses that currently attract tuition fee support from the Scottish Government. Please visit the SAAS website for up-to-date information on the loans and how to apply.

In light of Brexit, although nothing is yet confirmed, please note that EU students may also wish to consider the potential impact that requirements for EU students to obtain working Visas for a traineeship might have. Our information on guidance for overseas students will provide some background to why having to obtain a Visa is an essential consideration. We aim to update this section with as much information as we can as we receive it.

Guidance for non-EU overseas and rUK students

Please visit this page for more, specific guidance.

Other sources of funding

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

As well as a tuition fee and living-cost loan, eligible postgraduate students can also apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). Information can be found on the SAAS website.

Scholarships and bursaries

There are usually a number of scholarships and bursaries available to Diploma students across the universities, including Discretionary Funds. These funds are intended to provide assistance for students in financial difficulty and can provide help towards study-related costs including travel and accommodation. The funds are allocated by Scottish Ministers and administered by individual colleagues and universities. Please check with the universities offering the Diploma to see what options may be available.

Professional and Career Development Loans (PCDL)

We are aware that accelerated LLB students have previously applied for a Professional Career Development Loan through the Co-Op bank to support their career development, which was a scheme subsidised by the UK Government. Unfortunately, as of 25 January 2019, this scheme is closed. We are not aware of a similar scheme that is in operation in its place, either UK-wide or specific to Scotland. We would advise that prospective accelerated students looking for loans speak to their bank to find out if they offer any sort of comparable product available to them, or seek advice. Any new information from the UK Government will be made available on their website.