Edinburgh students can now get money back if they were affected by strikes

Edinburgh students who were affected by the 2019-2021 UCU strikes can now apply for a opportunity grant says an email from Vice-Principal Colm Harmon.

The money will come from the Student Opportunity Fund, which is made up of what the University saved by not paying the salaries of striking staff.

In the email, Harmon wrote: “The Student Opportunity Fund will be available to undergraduate and postgraduate taught students who, as a result of the industrial action, lost 10% or more of their teaching during November 2019 and February/March 2020.

If eligible, you can apply for a grant of up to £250.”

The Student Opportunity Fund “will be used to make grants to those students most impacted by the industrial action, to support future learning opportunities, whether at the University or elsewhere.”

Harmon also said: “An additional £350,000 has been invested into student hardship funds to support any student in financial need.”

These grants “can be used to pay for learning opportunities of most kinds, including conferences, short courses, online courses and part-payment of longer or more expensive learning opportunities.

However the fund cannot be used to pay for degree programmes at the University of Edinburgh.”

The fund will remain open until November 30th of this year or until the money in the fund runs out, whichever comes first.

Students wishing to apply for a grant can access the application here.

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