“By creating we think, by living we learn” Patrick Geddes
Q: I must pay my tuition fees/residence fees to the University. How do I do this?
A: At matriculation, you will be required to provide documentary evidence of who will pay your tuition fees (such as SFE/W/NI, SAAS, other funding bodies or yourself).
If you are supporting yourself throughout your studies, it is
University policy that all tuition fees are due at matriculation. You will be expected to either pay your
tuition fees in full at matriculation in the Bonar Hall or arrange to pay the fees by direct debit in accordance
with the instalment payment scheme on offer at matriculation.
If you have any enquiries regarding the level of your tuition fees or method of payment, please contact
the Registry. If you have any questions about finance while at matriculation, you should ask to see
the Matriculation Officer.
Q: Money is becoming a problem during my studies. What help is available?
A: The University disburses Discretionary Funds, which include the Higher Education Discretionary Funds and the Higher Education Childcare Fund. You must have taken out the maximum loan available to you before being considered for either of these funds and must be in receipt of tuition fee assistance for the Higher Education Childcare Fund.
Part-time students will also be considered for Discretionary Funds.
Q: I am uncertain if I may be eligible for state benefit whilst I am studying.
A: Full-time students are usually ineligible to receive any benefits. However, if you have a disability or are a lone parent then you MAY be eligible for something. International students are not normally eligible for state benefits.
Students are encouraged to meet with the Student Funding Officer for further discussion.
Q: Am I liable for Council Tax?
A: Full-time students are exempt from paying Council Tax. Find out more about Council Tax exemptions.
Q: I am a student from the School of Education and Social Work. My travelling expenses are causing me financial hardship. Is there any assistance available to me?
A: If you have submitted your household income to SAAS and are eligible to receive a means-tested student loan, you will have received up to £350 extra student loan to assist towards travel expenses from SAAS.
As from academic year 2011/12 you can no longer apply to SAAS separately for travel expenses.
SAAS have never provided expenses for placement travel, and you should speak with the School of Education and Social Work for re-imbursement of these expenses.
If, after speaking with their School, a student is still experiencing financial difficulty due to placement travel costs, the student should apply to the Discretionary Funds.
Students who are not funded by SAAS but are in receipt of a student loan should approach their School or tutor, then the Student Funding Officer.
Students from outside the UK will not be offered assistance, as they should have adequate funds for their course and living costs.
Q: I need an appointment with the Student Funding Officer. How can I do this?
Appointments are available most days.
Q: I will be living away from home for the first time. How do I arrange accommodation?
The University Residence Office will provide an application form in your pack when you have been
offered a place at the University of Dundee. You should complete this form and return it by the dates
given. Information is available from Residences.
Not all students choose to live in University accommodation. As Dundee is a 'student city' there is a
large amount of private accommodation available to students. We do not recommend any
particular Landlord or Letting Agent.
Q: I am rather concerned that the financial support available to me will be insufficient to cover my costs.
Many students find themselves in this position. It is common for students to take on part-time jobs to assist financing their studies. We recommend that you work no more than 15 hours per week during semester-time. The University Careers Service operates a Job Shop which has details of current vacancies suitable for students.
If I experience financial difficulty is there any assistance available?
The Student Funding Officer is always happy to meet you if you feel that you are facing financial problems. Sometimes simple budgeting tips are all that it takes to resolve a problem.
If a situation is more serious, you may be encouraged to apply to the University Discretionary Funds. This provides financial assistance to students in financial hardship and/or those who consider leaving their course because of financial reasons. Normally awards are given as non-repayable grants. In some emergency situations students can receive short-term loans which will be repaid by direct debit on an agreed date.
Q: If I have a non-academic issue with which I require assistance, to whom can I turn?
The University of Dundee has a wide range of Student Services to support students in various situations. At times, it is necessary to refer students to external agencies. This will be done with the full knowledge and inclusion of the student. Student Services adhere to the University's confidentiality policy.
Q: What if I have an academic enquiry?
In the first instance, you should speak with your Personal Tutor or Adviser of Studies. It may be appropriate for you to meet with the School Secretary. Please do not be worried about this as all staff are here to help make your student experience as positive as possible.
Q: I've just realised that I dont have enough money to pay for my rent. What should I do?
Please submit an application form for Discretionary Funding.
Q: I have already applied for financial assistance but I'm in a bit of a squeeze just now.
If you wish to re-apply to the Discretionary Fund within the same academic year, there is no need to fill out the full application form again. Simply fill out our re-application form which can be downloaded from the Student Funding website and return to us, complete with the supporting documentation.
Re-applications spanning different academic years require a new application form to be filled in.
Q: I have come home to receive a demand from my landlord/utility company.
Don't panic. There is usually a way of fixing problems. You are encouraged to apply for financial assistance from the Discretionary Fund, but also try the following:
Q: I am a Lone Parent and am waiting for my Child Tax Credit letter from HMRC to send to SAAS but this means I cannot access the Lone Parent Childcare Grant. Is there anything else I can do?
To prove that you are a Lone Parent to SAAS, you can provide the HMRC Child Tax Credit letter if it is current and available. As they can take some weeks for HMRC to provide, you can give SAAS other written evidence of your Lone Parent status.
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