Additional support needs
If you have an additional support need, you should discuss this before you leave school as part of Additional Support for Learning transition discussions. For students with very complex needs it is advisable to start these discussions even earlier than required under the Additional Support for Learning Act. It is also a good idea to discuss your needs with the college or university as early as possible too. That way, they can make sure you get all the assistance you need.
Financial help
If you are attending a further education course, you may be able to apply for extra financial help through your college’s bursary scheme, for example through the Additional Support for Learning allowance.
If your additional support needs mean that you need to spend extra money to attend your higher education course, you may be eligible for a Disabled Students' Allowance to help. For example, it could help you meet the cost of specialist equipment.
You can find out more information about the funding available for learners with additional support needs in the Helping You Meet The Cost of Learning: Funding for Disabled Students booklet which can be found on the Scottish Government's Funding for Learners webpage.
Read more
- Supporting You at College (PDF File) is a guide for young people with additional support needs who want to study at a further education college. It includes information about applying, the kind of support available and a very useful contacts list.
- Partnership Matters aims to define the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies involved in supporting young people with additional needs to attend further and higher education and to encourage partnership working between agencies. The Government is currently considering extending this guidance document to the university sector.
- SKILL Scotland
- Enable Scotland
- NUS Scotland
