Students who have their own homes and pay rent or have a mortgage may be eligible to apply for Housing Funds.

The college cannot cover your full rent/mortgage amount, but can provide assistance with a percentage of your weekly cost. Students studying at FE level or HE level course can apply.

If you were previously on benefits such as Universal Credit (for more information you should speak with your benefits office), you may have to come off these benefits once you become a student and will become responsible for your own housing costs.

If you still live at home with your parents and pay ‘digs’ or ‘board money’, you will not be able to apply for these funds.

The housing fund is means-assessed and the percentage of your weekly housing cost that will be paid is based on your household income and circumstances.

Disclaimer
Our HE Discretionary Funds are provided by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). Currently we do not have confirmed funds or guidance from SAAS for HE Discretionary Funding for Academic Year 2025-26.

The below information refers to the FE Guidance for 2025-26.

We therefore cannot provide information or advice on HE Housing Funding at this time.

Because of this, while you may apply for Housing through the online application fund, we are not able to assess any HE Housing Fund applications or make any awards until we receive the new guidance. We will provide updates as and when we receive them.

Please Note: Discretionary Funding is cash-limited and may be withdrawn at any point without notice.

As a full-time student, if you live alone or share your property with other students, you may be exempt from paying Council Tax for the duration of your course.

If you live with non-students, you might be eligible for a Council Tax reduction during your course.

Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, and Stirling Councils receive a list of students at the start of the academic year (usually a few weeks into the course). This helps the council verify your student status. They may apply the relevant discount on your behalf, but it's advisable to contact your Local Authority to confirm.

If you enrolled late or your course starts after August 2025, please contact student.records@forthvalley.ac.uk to request a letter for your Local Authority.

If you do not reside in the Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, or Stirling Council areas, you will need a Proof of Enrolment letter. You can also request this from student.records@forthvalley.ac.uk to provide to your Local Authority.

For any other issues related to Council Tax, please contact your Local Authority directly.