Further education is the name given to the qualifications you can gain from going to college.

Colleges offer various levels of courses, including individual modules, access courses, NCs (National Certificate), HNC (Higher National Certificate) and HNDs (Higher National Diploma). However, the courses at HNC and HND level come under the bracket of Higher Education.

The courses offered at college can be studied for in a way which suits you including full and part time, evening classes and flexible and distance learning.

You can find the full range of courses and also a list of all the contact details for colleges in Scotland on the Careers Scotland website. They also offer lots of information on how to apply and how to decide which course is for you.

Financing Further Education

Funding for further education will most likely come from either Employment Maintenance Allowance, a Bursary or an Individual Learning Account.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Students in Scotland aged 16, 17 and 18 may be eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). Depending on your parents/guardians earnings you may be entitled to up to £30 a week towards the cost of learning. The money will only be paid if you attend 100% of the classes you have that week. If you live independently of your parents you may also be entitled to money from this fund.

More information on EMA and how to apply can be found on the EMA Scotland website.

Information on how to apply in Shetland can be found on the Shetland Islands Council website.

Bursaries

A bursary is basically when the local council sponsors you to attend college. Your eligibility again depends on your household income but course fees will be covered for all those who submit an appropriate application. Money towards your living fees is very much dependant on income.

Any bursary due to you will be paid in instalments.

To apply you must contact the local council, the Shetland Islands Council information can be found here. Although it is important to remember that for some colleges you apply to the council of the area you are studying in, rather than where you are from. For example, if you attend Aberdeen College you may have to apply to Aberdeen City Council.

Individual Learning Accounts

Individual Learning Accounts (ILA) are a government funded scheme which allow individuals who are on benefits, or who earn less than £22,000 a year to claim up to £500 towards the cost of learning.

For more information, call the ILA Scotland helpline free on 0808 100 1090 or visit the ILA Scotland website.