If you plan to study part-time (less than 21 hours a week) you will usually have to pay course tuition fees unless you are on a low income, are claiming certain benefits, are disabled or an asylum seeker or refugee who wants to take a non-advanced course or a course in English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL).

Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs)
If you are aged 16 or over and earn £18,000 a year or less, or are on benefits, you may qualify for an Individual Learning Account of up to £200 each year towards the cost of a wide range of courses, including Open University and work-related courses. ILAs cannot be used to fund postgraduate courses.

If you are studying for at least half of a full time advanced (higher education) course you can apply for up to £500 towards the cost if you earn £18,000 a year or less.

For more information visit the ILA Scotland website at http://www.ilascotland.org.uk/ or phone the ILA Scotland helpline free on 0808 100 1090.

Career Development Loans (CDLs)
If you are aged over 18 and not able to get funding to help with work-related learning you may be able to apply for a Career Development Loan (CDL). You can use the loan for full-time, part-time or distance learning courses at all sorts of levels, including Open University courses. A CDL is a bank loan between £300 and £8,000.  It covers up to 80% of course fees (100% if you’ve been unemployed for more than 3 months), plus other course costs and living expenses. 

Contact the Career Development Loans helpline for more information at 0800 585 505, or visit their website at www.direct.gov.uk/cdl

Benefits and the ‘16-hour rule’
You may be able to study part-time and still claim benefit (usually Jobseekers' Allowance) under the '16-hour rule'. This rule may allow you to study up to 16 hours a week and still sign on as long as you are still available for full-time work and looking for a full-time job. 

Contact your local Jobcentre Plus office for more information and advice.

See the online version of the 'Benefits for Students in Scotland’ http://scottishhandbooks.cpag.org.uk/ for more information.

Part-time bursaries

If you want to study a non-advanced level course for less than 16 hours a week (or on an open learning basis), and still claim income support or other benefits, you might also be able to claim a part-time bursary (covering travel and study expenses only) at some colleges. You might even have your course fees paid under the fee waiver system. Contact the college for more information.

Hardship Funds

The funds are run by individual institutions on a discretionary basis, so apply directly to your college or university. The funds are very limited. How much you get depends on your circumstances.

Tax Credits

You might be able to claim tax credits. Students with one or more children can claim Child Tax Credit whether or not they are in paid work.

If you work for more than 16 hours a week you could also be eligible for Working Tax Credit. If you have a disability or you are caring for children with a disability you might get extra support.

Contact the Working and Child Tax Credit helpline on 0845 300 3900 for more information, or have a look at the tax credits website at http://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/.

You can apply online or get an application form (TC600) from your local Jobcentre Plus office. Claims are usually based on your income in the previous year.

Working while studying

You will probably need to work part time while studying. If your total yearly earnings fall below the level at which Income Tax is paid, you should ask your employer or local Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Office for a student tax exemption form - P38(S).

Open University

If you are on benefits or have a household income of less than £16,090 you can apply to have all your course fees paid for most OU undergraduate and residential courses.

You may also be able to apply to have course fees funded for short courses and the Openings programme if you are getting specific benefits.

You may also be able to apply for discretionary funds for help with study-related expenses.

For more information contact the OU at:

The Open University

10 Drumsheugh Gardens

Edinburgh EH3 7QJ

Tel: 0131 220 6730