Parents Questions
How much will it cost?
For students living in Scotland and studying in Scotland, there are no tuition fees for full-time courses, but Scottish graduates pay a Graduate Endowment: a one-off payment at the end of their course. This was £2,154 in 2004 (figures are not yet finalised for 2006-7).
Depending on their circumstances some students do not have to pay the Graduate Endowment. Check the Students Awards Agency for Scotland website www.saas.gov.uk . There are means-tested loans towards living costs and those from low-income backgrounds may also be eligible for a bursary.
For more information about the financial help available visit www.student-support-saas.gov.uk/home.htm <http://www.student-support-saas.gov.uk/home.htm> or tel. 0845 111 1711.
Which is the best university for my son or daughter to attend?
Of course, there is no one course or university which is the best for everyone, so it depends on your son or daughter's preferences. It is always good to read a range of prospectuses to get an idea of what the different universities offer.
Factors which should be taken into account include: the university's reputation for the course your son/daughter wishes to study, the facilities, the location and the size. All universities have open days and it is worth visiting the places your son/daughter is seriously considering.
Will my son/daughter get a good job after they leave?
Research shows that employers are primarily looking to recruit young people with a good knowledge base, sound communication skills, and the ability to work with others, analyse problems and think for themselves. Today's higher education courses are likely to give graduates a head start in all of these.
It is also important to realise that an increasing number of careers and professions are virtual no-go areas without a higher education qualification. Generally people with degrees earn significantly more over the course of their career than those without.
Why should I encourage my son/daughter to attend university?
As well as the opportunity to increase their earning potential and the change to have a more satisfying career, university is a great experience for young people. Just about everyone who has ever been to university agrees that it was the best move they ever made.
Will they have to move away from home?
The majority of pupils in Scotland stay in Scotland to study and this might apply to your son/daughter. There are 20 higher education institutions as well as 43 colleges in Scotland so there is a chance that one of these will be near enough for your son or daughter to stay at home.
Whether or not to move away from home can often depend on factors such as money and where their friends plan to study.
Will they be able to work as well?
Many students work part-time whilst they are studying and most universities have a careers service which can help students find suitable work.
Apart from the obvious benefit of providing ready cash, having a part-time job can provide students with experience that can be good for their CV. However, working more than 12 hours a week can affect studying and chances of ending up with a good degree.
What can they do if they don't get the grades they were supposed to get?
Don't panic! If your son/daughter's grades don't meet those required for their offer, they might still get a place at university or college through the Clearing system. Last year more than 60,000 people found a place this way.
The UCAS Clearing service matches candidates up with suitable higher education vacancies. If your son/daughter is eligible for Clearing, UCAS will automatically send them a Clearing Entry Form (CEF) and an information booklet.
Furthermore, a good performance on the Top-Up Programme might help if pupils don't quite get the grades they needed to get into university.