Practical Information
There is much more information out there (see Web Links for more useful websites) but here are the basics...
For more information about the financial help available visit www.student-support-saas.gov.uk/home.htm or tel. 0845 111 1711.
Applying
UCAS is the central agency for handling all university applications in the UK. It does not make the decisions on applications but passes them on to the institutions.
The form allows your son/daughter to apply for a maximum of six choices of institution/course (four if they are applying for medicine/dentistry or veterinary medicine or if they are applying to Oxford or Cambridge).
For more information on all aspects of the application process, including how and when to apply please go to www.ucas.ac.uk. You can also find information on all universities and courses in the UK on this site.
Finance
The changes made to the funding system over recent years can make this very confusing particularly when the systems vary between different parts of the UK.
The thing to remember though that help is available and your son/daughter's decision to go to university or college is a great investment in their future.
Studying in Scotland
There are no tuition fees at present for students who have lived in Scotland for over a year and who choose study in Scotland but graduates do pay a one-off payment on April 1 following their graduation (this is currently £2154).
Students can also get means-tested loans towards their living expenses and those from low-income families receive part of their living costs in the form of a non-repayable student bursary.
Studying in Other Parts of the UK
Should your son/daughter wish to study outside of Scotland they will be liable for up to £1175 of their tuition fees but this doesn't have to be paid until after graduation by taking out a loan for fees. Means-tested maintenance loans are also available.