University of Aberdeen Student Funding and Financial Support

Studying at university involves more than paying tuition fees. Students also need to manage accommodation, food, travel and other daily expenses. The University of Aberdeen student funding and financial support options can help eligible students manage financial challenges during their studies.

The University provides different types of financial assistance, including hardship support, discretionary funding, childcare assistance and money advice. However, eligibility depends on individual circumstances and student status. Understanding these options can help you plan your finances more carefully.

Understanding Student Funding and Financial Support

The University of Aberdeen offers several funding options to support students with different financial needs. These include scholarships, bursaries, financial assistance and advice on managing money.

The University's funding database allows students to search for funding opportunities based on:

• Study level, such as undergraduate or postgraduate.

• Year of study.

• Country or domicile.

• Subject area.

• Type of funding available.

You can explore the wider funding options in our guide to University of Aberdeen Scholarships: Funding Your Studies. This article focuses on financial support beyond the scholarship opportunities covered in that guide.

University Bursaries and Grants

Bursaries and grants may help eligible students manage specific education or living costs. However, they are not automatically available to every student.

The University funding database includes different types of funding, such as bursaries, scholarships, PhD vacancies and external funding sources. Some opportunities are designed for particular student groups, study levels or subjects.

Students should check the individual funding conditions before applying. These may include:

• UK residency or domicile requirements.

• Household income limits.

• Course and study-level conditions.

• Full-time or part-time study requirements.

• Personal or financial circumstances.

Important: A funding opportunity listed by the University does not mean every international student can apply. Always check the eligibility information for each award.

Financial Assistance at the University of Aberdeen

Students may experience unexpected financial problems during their studies. These could include a sudden loss of income, unexpected bills or difficulty paying for essential daily expenses.

The University provides several support options through its Student Advice and Support team. The available funds have different purposes and eligibility rules.

Main Financial Support Options

1. Discretionary Fund

The Discretionary Fund supports UK-based students who experience unexpected financial difficulties. It can help with essential short-term costs, including:

• Food and other living expenses.

• Household bills.

• Accommodation costs.

• Unexpected expenses affecting a student's finances.

This fund does not cover tuition fees. Students must provide information about their financial circumstances and supporting documents.

2. Hardship Fund for International Students

The University also provides a Hardship Fund for international students and others who are not eligible for the Discretionary Fund.

It is intended for students experiencing unexpected or unforeseen financial difficulties. The fund offers one-off support for short-term essential costs, such as food and other living expenses.

However, it does not cover tuition fees or typical accommodation fees. Depending on the student's circumstances, support may be provided through food vouchers, digital equipment or a bank payment.

The fund is not guaranteed. Students must complete an application and provide financial evidence for assessment.

3. Childcare Fund

The Childcare Fund helps eligible students with formal childcare costs during term time. This may include registered nurseries, childminders and after-school clubs.

However, the scheme has specific restrictions. It is open to eligible UK undergraduate and postgraduate students who are full-time SAAS-funded and have applied for the full student loan available to them.

International students are not currently eligible for this fund. It also does not cover tuition fees, accommodation fees or informal childcare provided by family members.

4. Digital Poverty Fund

Students who cannot afford essential digital equipment or internet access may be able to receive support through the Digital Poverty Fund.

The fund can provide loan equipment, such as a laptop or Wi-Fi equipment, to eligible students. It does not provide money to purchase a new laptop.

Students should check the current application requirements and evidence needed before applying.

Not sure which financial support options may apply to your circumstances?

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Undergraduate and Postgraduate Funding Considerations

Financial support can differ according to study level, funding status and personal circumstances. Undergraduate and postgraduate students should check the conditions of each scheme rather than assuming the same rules apply to everyone.

It covers international scholarship opportunities, while this article explains wider financial support.

Remember that postgraduate research funding may have different conditions from taught postgraduate funding. Check the specific opportunity before making financial plans.

Managing Living Costs in Aberdeen

Financial planning should begin before travelling to the UK. Tuition fees are only one part of the total cost of studying abroad.

Students should consider accommodation, food, transport, utilities and personal expenses when preparing a budget.

Accommodation and Everyday Expenses

Your accommodation choice can have a major effect on your monthly spending. University accommodation and private rented housing may have different payment arrangements and included services.

Before choosing a room or property, check:

• Weekly or monthly rent.

• Whether utility bills are included.

• Internet and other service charges.

• Deposit and payment requirements.

• Distance from campus and transport costs.

• Whether you need to buy household items.

Other everyday expenses may include:

• Groceries and meals.

• Local transport.

• Mobile phone and internet.

• Books and study materials.

• Laundry and personal items.

• Social activities and entertainment.

Do not calculate your budget using rent alone. Bills, food and travel can add significantly to your monthly spending.

Practical Budgeting Tips

The University recommends understanding your income and expenses before creating a budget. Its financial wellbeing guidance also highlights ways to monitor spending and reduce unnecessary costs.

Try these practical steps:

1. List your income: Include savings, family support, confirmed scholarships and any permitted employment income.

2. Calculate fixed expenses: Record rent, bills, tuition payments and other regular costs.

3. Estimate flexible spending: Set a realistic amount for groceries, transport and personal purchases.

4. Track your spending: Use a spreadsheet or banking app to monitor where your money goes.

5. Keep emergency savings: Set aside money for unexpected costs whenever possible.

6. Review your budget: Check your spending every month and adjust it when necessary.

Students can also explore part-time work opportunities through the University's Careers and Employability Service. However, international students must follow the work conditions attached to their visa.

Save the Student provides practical money-management information and budgeting tools for university students. Its resources can help students organise expenses and review their spending habits.

Explore student budgeting resources

Eligibility and How to Apply for Financial Support

The application process depends on the type of financial support. Some funding opportunities require a separate application, while others may have different arrangements.

For hardship-related support, students should explain their financial circumstances clearly and provide the required evidence.

Documents You May Need

Depending on the fund, the University may request:

• Completed financial support application form.

• Evidence of student funding or loan payments, where applicable.

• Recent bank statements for all accounts.

• Tenancy agreement or proof of rent.

• Utility bills or evidence of overdue payments.

• Supporting documents explaining unexpected financial difficulties.

• Additional evidence requested by the assessment team.

For the Hardship Fund, the University currently asks applicants to provide evidence of student funding where applicable, proof of rent or mortgage costs and one month of bank statements for all accounts. Additional supporting evidence may also be submitted.

Application Steps

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, follow these steps:

1. Contact Student Advice and Support: Ask which financial assistance option matches your circumstances.

2. Check eligibility: Read the fund's conditions carefully before applying.

3. Complete the application: Explain your financial situation and why you need support.

4. Prepare your evidence: Submit the documents requested for your chosen fund.

5. Provide bank details: Complete the relevant student bank details form if required.

6. Wait for assessment: The University reviews the application and may request further information.

For the 2026/27 academic year, the University states that complete Hardship Fund applications should normally receive a decision within 15 working days. Processing may take longer if documents are missing or further evidence is needed.

Students should contact the Student Advice and Support team as early as possible rather than waiting until their financial situation becomes more serious.

Plan Your Student Finances Carefully

The University of Aberdeen student funding and financial support options include more than scholarships. Eligible students may access hardship assistance, discretionary funding, childcare support, digital equipment loans and financial advice.

However, each scheme has its own eligibility rules, and international students should pay particular attention to residency and funding restrictions. Plan your tuition fees and living costs before travelling, and contact the University if unexpected financial difficulties arise.

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