Further education is the name given to the qualifications which are HNC level or above. These include HNCs, HNDs and degrees.

Universities are not necessarily as flexible as colleges when it comes to the ways in which you can study, however, there are more and more distance learning options available. The UHI Millennium Institute, for example, offers some degree courses which you can study online. So if you are not ready to leave Shetland just yet you can consider studying from home.

You can find the full range of courses and also a list of all the contact details for colleges and universities 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 Higher Education

There are different types of funding available for students studying at higher education level, but the most common method is to apply for a student loan. Eligibility will depend on your parents/guardians income, or on how long you have lived independently.

Your tuition fees will be paid for by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), however, this does not happen automatically and you must apply for these for each year of study.

The application for your student loan, and student fees can be done online here.

There are also many other options for funding which you may or may not be entitled to, such as supplementary grants and disabled students' allowance. Most universities and colleges also have a discretionary hardship fund which you can apply to if you are having problems.

You can find more information on all the different funding options and how and when to apply on the Careers Scotland website.