Simplifying Scotlands Student Finance Rules: Key Changes Coming in 2025

The Scottish Government is refining its student finance regulations with a new set of amendments set to roll out on 1 August 2025. These changes aim to streamline the process of assessing student residency and support, while also phasing out outdated regulations. Here’s a breakdown of what these adjustments entail:

1. Clarifying Residency Rules: The regulations will tweak the wording around "ordinary residence" to better align with policy goals. The primary aim is to ensure that students moving to Scotland for education purposes are accurately assessed for residency. If a student establishes residency in Scotland after moving for education, they will be considered residents for student support purposes.

2. Refining Loan Definitions: A minor correction will clarify that all student loans incur interest and potential penalties. This is a simple drafting fix to ensure clarity across the board.

3. Supporting Refugees in Education: Changes will ensure that students awaiting refugee status decisions can access home fee status and student support promptly once their status is granted. The amendment also clarifies the eligibility of a refugee’s spouse, civil partner, or child for student support, ensuring consistency with operational policies.

4. Out with the Old: Revoking 2007 Regulations: The outdated Education (Fees and Awards) (Scotland) Regulations 2007 will be officially revoked. These older rules, which dealt with tuition fees before the 2012 shift to higher fees for non-Scottish students, are no longer fit for purpose. Most universities have already moved beyond these regulations, using updated guidance for fee assessments.

5. Commitment to Children's Rights: The changes have been certified as compatible with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. This ensures that the new regulations prioritize the rights and wellbeing of young learners.

6. No Financial Impact: The Scottish Government confirms that these amendments will not have financial implications for the government, local authorities, or businesses.

Overall, these updates reflect a commitment to keeping Scotland's education system fair and accessible, while also ensuring clarity and consistency in student support processes. Stay tuned for further guidance from the Scottish Government to assist universities in implementing these changes ahead of the next admissions cycle.