Now it's time to find out a bit more about being a student at the University of Edinburgh. The hub will be your 'one-stop shop' for information before your first day on the programme. We can't wait to welcome you to the 2025/26 Access Programme! Top 6 Tasks to Complete Below are the next steps to complete once you've accepted your offer:Get connected to the University systemsComplete the matriculation (registration) processApply for your student card Meet Donna! video Hear from Donna, former Access student about her experience on the programme. COL Student Support Team Hello! My name is Tatiana, and I’m one of the Student Advisers on the Student Support team here at the University's Centre for Open Learning.My team is a key part of the support network at the University and is your first point of contact for any enquiries allowing us to connect you to a range of student services. You can contact us when various circumstances affect your life and studies. It's important to seek advice at the earliest opportunity to make sure that you get the right support.We can support, advise and guide you in relation to a range of different matter, including (but not limited to): health, wellbeing, learning support, disabilities, finance, funding, and accommodation. We can also signpost you to the most appropriate service or source of support.We are based in Paterson’s Land, G.17, and can offer meetings – in-person, online or on the phone, and we can also offer advice over e-mail. You can read more about Student Support at the Centre for Open Learning and the University here which includes links to our Disability and Learning Support Service, or contact us at COL.StudentSupport@ed.ac.uk SAAS Part-Time Fee Grant We encourage all Access students to check their eligibility for the SAAS Part-time Fee Grant, which can help towards the cost of the programme fee. To check your eligibility and to apply online, visit the SAAS website You’ll need to create an online account before you can submit an application and track its progress. The 'How to apply for part-time funding' section provides instructions to create your account. Important Info Needed to Apply: Course Credits: 60 Course Level: SCQF Level 7 Course Title: Access Programme Course dates: 18 August 2025 – 15 May 2026SAAS are separate from the University. If you’re having difficulty with your application, you can contact them directly on the following number 0300 555 0505. Their lines are open from 9am to 4pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday.If you do not apply for SAAS, or you are not eligible you will be responsible for paying any outstanding fees. Fees can be paid in a single payment, or we can arrange a payment plan. Please let us know if you will not to applying for SAAS by e-mailing col.access@ed.ac.uk Rooming, Timetable and Courses 2025/26 The Access rooming, timetable and courses for 2025/26 have now been confirmed.View Rooming Information >View the Access Programme Timetable >View the Induction schedule here >Explore the Access Courses > Induction Information and Key Dates The 2025/26 Access Programme induction will take place on Thursday 21 August from 12:30-3:00pmThe induction will take place in Bessie Watson Lecture Room at the Outreach Centre on the Holyrood Campus.The address of the venue is 1 Morgan Lane, Edinburgh EH8 8FP.You can find the full schedule here >There will be a tour of the main University Library on Friday 22 August from 11am-12:30pm. This will include a brief tour of the facilities available to all Access students plus an information session from one of the librarians.Semester 1 classes will start the week commencing 25 August Meet Tristan - Former Access Programme Student Tristan shares his experience on our part-time Access Programme including how it gave him the solid foundation and confidence needed to achieve his goals both academically and professionally. Key Contacts You're welcome to join our 2025/26 Access Programme Facebook community - it's a great way to start interacting with your fellow classmates before the programme starts in August! Programme Director Rachael King is also in the group.If you have a question about the Access Programme, please e-mail us at COL.Access@ed.ac.ukIf you have an IT question about how to get set up, please visit EdHelp or contact Student Systems studentsystems@ed.ac.uk Accommodation Options If you haven't started looking yet, we'd recommend beginning your housing hunt as soon as you can. While University halls are not available for students on the Access Programme, there are plenty of private alternatives to keep in mind.Find out more > Clubs and Societies Find out what you can expect from student life in Edinburgh - our clubs and societies will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people while having fun! Fees and Funding Check if you're eligible for any help with fee or funding for your one year of part-time study with us on the Access Programme here at the University of Edinburgh. This article was published on 2025-06-03
