FUNDING FOR EU STUDENTS

Before reading anything further on this page, make sure you understand your Tuition Fee Status as this will impact the funding you may be eligible for.

If you are an EU national who has settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme, and have been granted Scottish fee status, you will be treated as Scottish in relation to student funding eligibility, and should consult our Funding for Scottish students webpage.

If you are an EU national without any form of settled immigration status, who requires a student visa in order to study in Scotland, and have been granted International fee status, you be treated as International in relation to student funding eligibility and should consult our Funding for International Students webpage.

Students who normally live in the Republic of Ireland will have a unique fee status of Republic of Ireland and may apply to Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for a tuition fee loan for postgraduate study. This is available for courses leading to the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or master's (MA, MRes, MSc etc.) 

The value of that loan is £7,000 for the course (divided across each year of study should your course be over more than one academic year), so is unlikely to cover your tuition fee in full, so you should plan financially for meeting the balance. This will be paid directly to UWS on your behalf. 

There is no additional funding available to you from the Scottish or UK Government to help you meet your cost of study or living, so it is vitally important you consider how you will support yourself during your studies. Please visit our Money & Debt Advice pages for information on how you can budget to make your money go further.

Remember that this package of support is in the form of a loan, which needs to be paid back. You do not have to take out the student loan or can elect to take out only a proportion of what you are offered, but should then be mindful about how you will meet the cost of tuition. The student loan is repayable and does accrue interest, but it is different than other types of finance such as bank loans, overdrafts or credit cards.

Find out more about how the student loan works on our Debt & Borrowing pages.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE TUITION FEE LOAN

You apply to Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), using their online application system. You will create your SAAS Account and will be able to use that to log in, make your application, and upload required supporting evidence to SAAS. 

Your SAAS Account is also where you will manage any communication to SAAS while you application is being assessed, and where you will be able to see the outcome of your application.

You must apply in each year of study and should do as soon as possible. SAAS applications typically open in early April, for the academic year beginning in September.  

You can also contact SAAS directly if you have any queries about your eligibility for this funding.

UWS Scholarships, Bursaries and Funding

UWS offer various scholarship and incentive schemes, available to many of the different types of students studying at UWS. 

Not all students will be eligible to apply to all scholarship and incentive schemes, so it is important not to rely on these, and to do your research early. 

UWS Scholarships, Bursaries & Other Sources of Funding

ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FUNDING

In addition to scholarships, bursaries or incentive schemes offered by UWS, it is also possible to explore the world of trusts, scholarships, endowments, grants or bursaries, outside of UWS.  

When searching for additional financial support, it is important to understand that this can take up a lot of time. While there is no guarantee that you will find a source of funds for you, you definitely won’t find anything if you don’t try.

It’s also important to remember that most of these funds are competitive, similar to applying for a job. Many people might apply, but there may be only one award available. As such, it is important that, if you do find a fund you are eligible to apply to, you spend time on any application. 

We have a dedicated webpage to help you start searching...

Alternative Trusts & Scholarships

Other sources of help

Money & Debt Advice

It's really important to plan ahead financially and prepare for your time in the UK. You can access our range of money management tools and resources designed to help you budget and better understand the cost of living in the UK.

Money & Debt Advice

Postgraduate Research

UWS offers a wide range of postgraduate research degrees designed to help you make a meaningful impact in your field. We offer a range of fully funded PhD studentships across all academic schools, providing financial support to help you focus on your research.

Postgraduate Research at UWS
Last updated: 25/03/2026