Flexible Learning

Part-Time Fee Grant (Formerly ILA500)

In early 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning approved delivery and funding of the ILA500 scheme through the Students’ Allowances (Scotland) Regulations 2007, as amended, rather than through the existing ILA regulations.

This change means that from 1 April 2011 the scheme formerly known as ‘ILA500’ will be delivered solely by SAAS as a ‘part-time fee grant’.  There will be very little impact on eligibility rules other than students will now have to comply with the existing residency criteria we operate for full-time support.  This will be reflected in the application form from the start of April.

Up to 31 March 2011, students should continue to apply for an application pack at www.ilascotland.org.uk. From the 1 April 2011, students should download an application form from the SAAS website (www.saas.gov.uk).  We will revise the part-time section of our website next year to reflect the changes and we will also issue updated operational rules to all institutions.

This change should streamline the process for students and universities/colleges, as well as providing anticipated administrative and cost saving efficiencies for both SAAS and Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

Please note that this change does not affect the ILA200 scheme which will continue to be jointly delivered by SAAS and SDS.