International Student Discretionary Fund

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

All international, including EU matriculated students, 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. Find out more about the support available.

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, Economics and Finance, English, Film Studies, Geography and Sustainable Development, Graduate School, History, International Education Institute, International Relations, Management, Mathematics and Statistics, Medicine, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Physics and Astronomy, Psychology and Neuroscience, Social Anthropology

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:

A copy of their most recent bank statement showing one month’s transactions, which can be an online statement but must show the bank's logo and the student's name. We cannot accept Excel spreadsheets. If you have more than one account, statements from all your accounts are required.

Students living in private rented property must provide:

a copy of the rent agreement
a utility bill for gas, electricity, internet access or a mobile phone (dated within last one to two months)

EU students

Please upload your SAAS award letter if part-funded by SAAS

How to apply

Access to the online Application will be through the Scholarships and Funding Section on MySaint. Student Services will assess all applications and allocate awards to successful applicants based on the information provided. Students may be required to attend an interview with a Student Services Adviser and will be contacted by email to arrange this. Students can apply more than once during the academic year. Students are required to enter their bank details on MySaint for any possible payment.

If you have any issues with any stage of the application process submit a question to Student Services for assistance.

Terms and conditions

Read the International Student Discretionary Fund guidance (PDF) for more information.

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 or attend an interview.

I understand that should I have intentionally provided inaccurate information that I may be subject to the University’s Non-Academic Misconduct Policy (Students). 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 by email to ssfund@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Contact: Ask Student Services