Funding Your Creativity: A Guide to the SAAS Part-Time Fee Grant

Through OCA’s partnership with the Open University, Scottish students can now apply for the SAAS Part-Time Fee Grant. This funding can reduce tuition costs, making your creative goals more affordable than ever. 

Here is your guide to how SAAS funding works specifically for your studies at OCA.

What is the SAAS Part-Time Fee Grant?

The Part-Time Fee Grant is a form of funding provided by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). Unlike a loan, this grant does not need to be repaid and is designed for students who are studying at a part-time pace.

Are You Eligible?

To qualify for the grant while studying with OCA, you generally need to meet the following criteria:

• Residency: Meet SAAS residence conditions.
• Education: Have left full-time compulsory education, such as high school.
• Income: Your individual income must be below a set threshold (before tax).
• Course Level: You must be studying an undergraduate course (such as a BA Hons degree).
• Credits: You need to be studying at least 30 credits per year. At OCA, our units are typically 40 or 60 credits, which make them a fit for this requirement.

View eligibility criteria in full here. 

How it Works at OCA

Studying with OCA is unique because of our flexible study and multiple intakes throughout the year. However, it is important to note that the SAAS “academic year” runs strictly from 1 August to 31 July.

If you plan to study more than one unit within the same funding year, you must notify SAAS directly to secure your funding. Missing these deadlines may mean self-funding or waiting until the next academic year to access further support.

• For course start dates between August and 1 December: If you wish to study additional units after 1 December, you must inform SAAS before 1 December.
• The March Cut-off: For all other additional units intended for the current academic year, you must notify SAAS before 31 March.

Because the SAAS grant provides partial funding, there will be a “shortfall” (a remaining balance) to pay each time you enrol. To make this manageable, OCA offers flexible payment options:

• Standard Payment: You pay the initial deposit, and the remaining balance can be split into manageable monthly instalments.
• Bursary Support: Alternatively, you may be eligible for an OCA Learner Support Scheme Tuition Fee Bursary, which can cover all or some of the difference between the grant and the full fee. Please note that these bursaries are subject to availability and specific criteria.

Find out more about OCA’s Learner Support Scheme Here.

How to Apply

1. Choose Your Course: Pick the OCA degree pathway you wish to study and submit your enrolment form. 
2. Apply to SAAS: Visit the SAAS website and complete the Part-Time Fee Grant application, adhering to the application deadlines. You will need to provide proof of income (such as P60, payslips, or benefit statements). View OCA’s SAAS Application Guidance through the Fees and Funding information page at www.oca.ac.uk. 
3. OCA Confirmation: Once SAAS processes your application, they will send eligible students a provisional award. 
4. Complete Registration: Once our Finance Team has verified the payment for the shortfall is in place, your enrolment to a specific intake will be officially confirmed. When induction is complete, SAAS will confirm your award and the details of your grant, and you are free to access your course materials and begin your creative journey.

Why Choose SAAS?

Choosing to use the Part-Time Fee Grant at OCA is a practical way to make your creative studies more manageable. It allows you to access the same University-validated tuition while receiving a helpful contribution toward your costs from SAAS. Because our courses are designed for distance learning, you have the freedom to balance your work and home life, with the grant providing a useful layer of financial support to help with your tuition fees along the way.

Ready to get started? Check your eligibility on the SAAS website today, or reach out to our team at [email protected] for guidance on taking your next creative step.