Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs)

If you live in Scotland, are aged 16 or over, earn £22,000 a year or less or are on certain benefits, you may qualify for an Individual Learning Account (ILA) to help with the costs of part time study.

You could get up to £200 towards the cost of learning something new, or updating your skills, through a wide range of courses.

You must have set up your ILA Scotland account before you start the course. Always check in advance if the course you are interested in is eligible. 

You can use your ILA account if you are thinking of studying through the Open University, but the course must be for less than 40 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) credits.

You can find out more and apply for an ILA account online at the ILA Scotland website at www.ilascotland.org.uk/ or phone the ILA Scotland helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

ILA 500 accounts are no longer available. They have been replaced by a Part-time Fee Grant operated by the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Visit their website at http://www.student-support-saas.gov.uk/ for more information. Part time fee grants can be used to help with the costs of part time higher education courses (HNC and above).