Originally published on January 20th, 2009

Many part-time students could soon be entitled to extra funding, it emerged after the Scottish Government announced a program of new financial benefits, which for the first time is extended to postgraduates. 

Funding that is currently limited to those on full postgraduate courses will now be available to part-time students on a pilot basis scheme, with an estimated 150 students to benefit during 2009-10.
Part-time undergraduate students will also benefit from an expansion of the ILA500 scheme that was introduced last September, which offers grants of up to £500.  It is proposed that these funds will now be made available across a much wider spectrum of courses.

The scheme is part of an attempt to help soften the impact of the current economic downturn for those in higher education.  Funding will be given to those involved in subjects that are part of the Scottish Government’s economic priority sectors, which include energy, financial and business services, creative industries and education.

In unveiling the plans, Fiona Hyslop MSP, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Education, stated, “The Scottish Government recognises the financial pressures faced by learners during the current economic climate.”  She went on to add that the new measures would “benefit part-time students at all levels.”

The current recession is predicted to hit part-time postgraduate studies as businesses are expected to cut back on further training and education for employees.  However there has been a noted upsurge in people enrolling in part-time postgraduate studies, financed personally in order to enhance their chances in an increasingly bleak employment market.

The total proportion of students within the University of Edinburgh’s student population that are part-time is around 15 percent, with 37 percent of all postgraduates at the University studying on a part-time basis.  Robert Lawrie, head of the University’s Scholarships & Student Finance Department told Student, “Any additional options of funding, especially during these difficult financial times is very welcome.”  He also added that “We look forward to learning more about the pilot scheme, which I very much hope will include Edinburgh University.”
It is expected that the full details of the pilot plans will be announced over the coming weeks.  The proposals will only be applicable to Scottish students in Scotland.  Bill Rammell, UK Higher Education Minister, said in October 2008 that he would consider part-time students in a review of education funding due to be carried out early this year.