Students in Stirling facing financial hardship due to the rising cost of living will be able to apply for more support, as the Scottish Government has distributed £5million in funding.
Evelyn Tweed MSP for Stirling has welcomed the move which will help further education students with basic needs like heating and other household costs as they struggle to cope with the cost of living crisis.
The £5 million being distributed to help Higher Education students in financial hardship is part of a £37 million hardship funding provided by the Scottish Government since June 2021.
The support includes a £350 loan uplift for 2022-23 in higher education, meaning the most disadvantaged students can access £8,100 per year through bursary and loan. The also includes introducing the option to have 12 monthly payments for students who receive the Care Experienced Bursary, allowing these students to access financial support over the summer months.
Higher and Further Education Minister Jamie Hepburn has written to college and university principals, asking them to encourage students most in need to apply and to prioritise allocation of funding.
Commenting, Evelyn Tweed MSP, said: “Students have had a rough time of it these past two years, with so much of their education disrupted. Now with a cost of living crisis snapping at the country’s heels, its absolutely right that the Scottish Government is taking big steps to soften the blow of these huge hikes in the cost of living.
“Many of these students will go onto become the scientists, teachers, health professionals, carers and business owners that we all rely on for a stable society. Its important that we not only invest in their minds and education, but also support them through the difficult and challenging times.
“Many students who rent privately in Stirling will be facing higher energy bills and increased financial hardship as a result of the cost of living crisis, and I hope this support will give them peace of mind so they are able to focus on their studies without the constant worry of making ends meet.”
Fraser Cronin MSYP said: “There are more than 17,000 further study students in Stirling. For some, financial support is absolutely essential to being able to attend University. Now, with Covid and rising energy costs many students are trapped in the cost of living crisis. Without this extra support many students will go without heat, food or basic essentials. Stirling students are clear that this vital support must continue whilst the cost of living remains such an issue – and we ask that it continues to be provided to the greatest number possible.”