International Student Discretionary Fund

Application period opens
Monday 15 September 2025
Application period closes
Sunday 19 July 2026

All international students, including those from the EU who are matriculated at the University, are eligible to apply. The fund will be means-tested and is for students who face unexpected financial difficulties whilst on their course of study.

Students must show how they planned to fund their studies and the reasons for their current financial difficulty. Evidence of financial circumstances will be required. Entrant students will not be expected to apply initially, as they should have their planned funding in place.

We are aware that experiencing sexual misconduct can impact people in different ways, and we know it may have a significant impact on finances. If you are affected by this, applying to this fund may be an option to consider. For more information about support, please see the Support: your resources webpage.

Application restrictions

Study level

Available to students studying at:

Undergraduate and postgraduate

Domicile for fee status

Overseas

Schools

Available to students in the following Schools and Departments:

Art History, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Computer Science, Divinity, Earth and Environmental Sciences, English, Film Studies, Geography and Sustainable Development, Graduate School, History, International Education Institute, International Relations, Mathematics and Statistics, Medicine, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Physics and Astronomy, Psychology and Neuroscience, Social Anthropology, University of St Andrews Business School, International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute

Application assessment

Financial need (Hardship, means tested)

Available to

Current students

Mode of study

Full time, Part time - daytime

Geographical criteria

All non-UK nations

Additional criteria

Students will be required to provide and upload supporting evidence relevant to their individual situation.

All students must provide:

  • Bank statement
    •  A copy of their most recent bank statement showing one month’s transactions - this can be an online statement but the document must show the bank's logo and the student's name. Excel spreadsheets are not accepted. If you have more than one account, you must provide statements from all of them.

Students living in private rented property must provide:

  • Copy of the Rent agreement
  • Utility bill statement, which can be gas, electricity, internet, mobile phone (dated within the last 1-2 months)

EU students must:

  • Upload a copy of a SAAS award letter if part-funded by SAAS

How to apply

Students may be required to attend an interview with a Student Services Adviser before completing the online application form.

  • Access to the online application will be provided via the Scholarships and Funding section on MySaint, following discussion with an adviser.
  • Students may apply more than once during the academic year.
  • To receive any potential payment, students must enter their bank details via MySaint.

Additional guidance is available in our International Student Discretionary Fund guidance (PDF).

Any student who has difficulty with any stage of the application process should submit a question for assistance.

Terms and conditions

Declaration

The information on the online application form has been completed to the best of my knowledge. I understand that my application to the International Student Discretionary Fund will be made on the basis of the information provided. I understand that I may be contacted to provide further information to support my application and/or attend an interview.

I understand that should I have intentionally provided inaccurate information, I may be subject to the University’s Student Conduct Policy. Action may be taken to recover any award made to me and I may not be permitted to matriculate or graduate until the award is recovered. I note that I will become ineligible to receive an award if I take a Leave of Absence or withdraw from my course. I confirm that I will notify Student Services of any changes in my circumstances thourgh the student management system.

Contact

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