All SWAP programmes are delivered by our college partners. Choose the college where you would like to study and apply directly to them, through their web site. Applications are designed to be friendly and straight forward. Always try and provide the college with as much relevant information as you can. We want you to think about your experiences, skills and attributes rather than qualifications. You can also visit the college or contact them direct with questions.

Applications for study normally open up in Janaury. Try to apply as promptly as you can, as programmes can fill up. If a programme is still advertised then normally there are places or waiting list places available.

 As SWAP programmes are delivered by colleges, the funding you receive at college is based on what is called college bursary funding. Most SWAP students will recieve bursary funding to pay college tuition costs and also receive a small amount for living costs. We recommend contacting the college to discuss your situation when applying or before applying. The college will also provide advice for those on benefits and for anyone seeking additional support; for example, if you are a carer or if you are a single parent. 

Colleges also provide good support during the year through their discretionary funds. Always ask for support. 

For students thinking about progressing to degree study it is always worth thinking about what that will mean. The funding agency for degree and HNC study is called Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). It is worth checking out their web site to see what funding you will receive. Never too early to plan ahead! You will also receive guidance and support during your time on the SWAP programme for funding your future studies.

SWAP programmes are classified as full-time college provision. That means you will have contact with the college for about 18 hours a week. Programmes begin in August and you will finish up in June. 

As the programmes are developed for adults who have no or few qualifications, we design the programmes to ensure you are supported with your learning. During the year you will become more independent in your studies, working to the same level as students studying for SQA Highers. We just do it differently, based on continuous assessment rather than final exams, and with dedicated development of academic skills and other attributes that will help you be successful in Higher Education.  

You will be studying with a group of students who are in a similar situation as yourself. You will fit in. You will also benefit from studying with experienced college tutors who work well with adult students. 

If full-time, in-person doesn't suit you just now, we have some options such as part-time learning and online learning. Contact the SWAP office for further information: swapwest@scottishwideraccess.org 

SWAP programmes have been designed for adults who left school with no or few qualifications. For most programmes, we are more interested in the skills and attributes you have developed since leaving school, perhaps from work, volunteering, or family life, as well as your hobbies and personal interests. As an adult returning to education, you have valuable life experience that will stand you in good stead, which is why our students are in demand from university partners.

The college will provide you with guidance If they feel you would benefit from studying a course prior to enrolling on SWAP, then they will advise you of this. There are good pre-access courses in college that benefit adult returners. Where a student has English as their second language then the recommendation will be to study and achieve ESOL qualifications first. (Please note: if a college recommends you study prior to enrolling on SWAP, that study will not be included in any gap period that we would ordinarily expect adult returners to have.) 

The Access to Medical Studies programme is an exception to the above guidelines, as previous study in science and (if applicable) ESOL will be required prior to entry. If you are interested in the medical studies programme, then we recommend you contact the SWAP office to discuss if you meet the requirements. 

Yes, a gap in education is required. As SWAP programmes have been developed for adults returning to education, they are not programmes that are available for everyone. The following is a summary of the main criteria. If SWAP is not for you, then we can provide guidance about suitable alternative opportunities.

• If you left school with qualifications no higher than National 5, then the gap will require to be 3 years from leaving school.

• If you left school with Highers or a college with an HNC, then for SWAPWest programmes the gap is 5 years and for SWAPEast programmes 3 years.

• If there has been educational disadvantage at school, then we may be able to consider a student depending on exceptional circumstances. These are often if a student has not had the opportunity to sit school exams due to ill health, disability, refugee or asylum status. Contact the SWAP office to discuss, as we will require university permission for exceptional circumstances

• SWAP programmes cannot recruit international students.

• SWAP programmes cannot recruit students who have previously been awarded a degree.

You are never too old to return to study. University partners welcome applications from students who have good life experience and who are prepared to work hard. In Scotland, there are no age limits on your eligibility to have your tuition fees paid. If you are over age 60, contact SWAP to find out about other student finance guidelines that may apply. 

Due to the diverse range of students we work with, a number of students want to apply for degrees that are highly competitive. As well as degrees such as medicine, vet medicine, and dentistry, we work with a broad range of universities offering competitive degrees such as paramedic science, oral health science, law, primary education and social work. We ask students to follow our guidance on applying to these degrees and to keep an open mind about ensuring they have good back-up and contingency options.