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 2026/27 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. Joan Gillon Memorial Fund The Joan Gillon Memorial Fund was set up by the family of Joan Gillon, a former Access student, in order to help support Access students.A single £1,000 bursary award towards maintenance costs is available to support the student with the greatest financial need. To be eligible for this award you must have a maximum personal income of £25,000 per year and have submitted an application for the Part-Time Fee Grant from SAAS. The decision to award the bursary to the successful candidate will be taken by the COL Scholarship Committee in early August.To apply for the bursary, please complete our confidential online form by noon, Monday 20 July 2026Apply here> Timetable and Courses 2026/27 The Access timetable and courses for 2026/27 have now been confirmed.View the Access Programme Timetable >Explore the Access Courses > 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: 17 August 2026 – 21 May 2027SAAS are separate from the University. Students eligible for SAAS should apply as early as possible to make sure funding is in place by 30 September. Students applying for Joan Gillon will need to have submitted an application for SAAS before applying for the bursary. 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 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 2026/27 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 Tuesday 3 June 2025
