Sending a child to university is exciting, but it can also feel daunting, particularly when it comes to finances. So, let’s walk through how divorce might impact university fees and living costs and how you can make sure your child is fully supported as they take this important step in life.
University Tuition Fees in Scotland
One of the great things about being a Scottish resident is that tuition fees at Scottish universities are covered by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). That means your child won’t have to pay those hefty tuition fees you hear about in other parts of the UK.
Now, the good news is that your marital status doesn’t affect whether your child qualifies for this tuition fee support. As long as your child has lived in Scotland for at least three years before starting university and meets a few other basic criteria, they’re covered!
What If My Child Wants to Study in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland?
If your child wants to spread their wings and study elsewhere in the UK, things are a little different. Unfortunately, SAAS won’t cover tuition fees if they go to university in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. But don’t panic—your child can apply for a tuition fee loan through SAAS, which will cover up to £9,250 a year (the amount universities charge in those parts of the UK).
The key difference? That’s a loan rather than a grant, meaning your child will have to repay it after they graduate and start earning over a certain amount.
Living Costs: Bursaries, Loans, and What Role Income Plays
While tuition fees in Scotland are sorted, living costs—like rent, food, and travel—are another story. Whether your child is staying in Scotland or heading elsewhere in the UK, these costs can add up quickly.
Custodial Parent’s Income
SAAS works out how much financial support your child can get for living costs through means of testing. That means they look at the household income of the parent your child lives with most of the time (this is the “custodial parent”).
After a divorce, SAAS will only look at the custodial parent’s income, as well as the income of any new partner or spouse they might have. This can sometimes work out in your child’s favour—if the custodial parent earns less than the combined income you had as a couple, your child could qualify for more bursary or loan support.
On the flip side, if the custodial parent remarries and the new household has a higher income, that could reduce the amount of financial aid your child is eligible for.
Non-Resident Parent’s Role
If you’re the parent your child doesn’t live with most of the time (the non-resident parent), SAAS won’t consider your income when they calculate financial aid. But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook! You’re still expected to contribute to your child’s living costs, and this is something to think about carefully when sorting out your divorce settlement. Make sure you and your ex-partner have a clear agreement on how much each of you will contribute towards your child’s living expenses while they’re at university.
Income Brackets and Support
Here’s a simple breakdown of how income impacts the support your child might get:
- Household income under £21,000: Your child might qualify for the maximum bursary and loan.
- Income between £21,000 and £34,000: The bursary amount reduces, but loans are still available.
- Income over £34,000: Your child will likely only get the minimum loan, as the bursary support is much less.
So, if the custodial parent’s income drops after the divorce, it could mean your child gets more financial support. However, if the custodial household income is higher (because of a new partner or other changes), it could mean less support.
Extra Costs to Keep in Mind
Beyond tuition and basic living expenses, there are often extra costs that come with university life. These can vary a lot, depending on your child’s lifestyle and the university they attend, but they might include:
- Rent: If your child moves into private accommodation rather than staying in university halls, rent can be a lot higher, especially in bigger cities.
- Course materials: Textbooks, software, and other essentials can add up.
- Travel: If your child studies far from home (or even abroad), travel costs to come home for holidays can be significant.
- Clubs and societies: University life isn’t all about studying! Sports, societies, and other activities can also come with fees.
When discussing your divorce settlement, it’s a good idea to think about these extra costs and how you and your ex-partner will contribute to them.
Including University Costs in Divorce Settlements
Speaking of divorce settlements, one of the best ways to avoid any disagreements later on is to include university costs in your settlement. This isn’t a legal requirement, but many parents find that agreeing on how much each parent will contribute can help ensure everyone knows what to expect when the time comes.
You might want to include:
- How much each parent will contribute to your child’s living expenses, either equally or based on income.
- Who will cover additional costs, like rent, course materials, or travel.
- Setting up a savings plan for your child’s university expenses.
- Clear payment arrangements: When and how will the money be provided? This can help avoid stress when deadlines for rent or bills come up.
Reassessing Financial Support After a Divorce
If your divorce happens after your child has already started university, don’t worry! They can apply to reassess their financial support. If the custodial parent’s income drops or household circumstances change significantly, your child might be able to get more financial help, even if they’re already partway through their studies. It’s a good idea to encourage them to regularly review their SAAS support to make sure they’re not missing out on anything.
Divorce Settlements with Cath Karlin
Certainly! Here’s the revised version of the section that includes how Cath can help facilitate communication between partners and assist with divorce settlements:
While divorce can feel like it throws everything up in the air, it doesn’t have to stop your child from achieving their university dreams. By understanding how SAAS works and having open, honest conversations with your ex-partner, you can make sure your child has the financial support they need.
If communicating with your ex-partner feels overwhelming, that’s where I can help. As your mediator, I can act as a neutral communicator between both parties, ensuring that important discussions about your child’s future are productive and focused on their best interests. I’m experienced in helping couples reach fair divorce settlements, including clear agreements about how to support your child’s university costs.
Whether it’s ensuring both parents contribute fairly to living expenses, setting up a savings plan, or negotiating who covers additional costs like rent or travel, I can guide you through these conversations in a way that reduces stress and conflict. This way, you can both stay focused on what matters most—your child’s future.
If you have questions or concerns about how your divorce might affect your child’s university journey, feel free to reach out to me. Together, we can plan for your child’s future and ensure they have every opportunity to succeed, regardless of the changes in your personal circumstances.
