For immediate release:

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of extra financial help for students facing financial hardship over the summer months.

The Scottish Government has brought forward early access to £11.4 million of discretionary funds – which will be administered by colleges and universities – to support higher education students in the short-term.

Higher education students are, due to UK government rules, unable to claim Universal Credit or other benefits.

Scottish students studying in Europe as part of EU Portability or historically arranged schemes will also be able to access a £100,000 emergency fund administered by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

Local MSP Clare Haughey said:

“Many students across Rutherglen and Cambuslang will have expected to find paid work over the summer to cover their rent or save for the following term – but are now, through no fault of their own, unable to do so.

“No student should face severe financial hardship as a result of this crisis, and these new measures will support many students until the start of the next academic year when bursary, grant and loan payments will begin again.

“I’d encourage any student who is struggling to contact their university or college directly for further details on how to access this support.”

ENDS

Date published: 15th June 2020