The mission of the Carnegie Trust is to support students enrolled on an undergraduate degree course at a Scottish Institute of Higher Education who are not eligible for government funding for their tuition fees, aiming to aid those whose financial circumstances prevent them from covering the cost of education. By extending grants, the Trust seeks to alleviate the financial burdens of students facing hardships, including those with prior study attempts interrupted by various challenges, and aspiring students from displaced or disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Undergraduate Tuition Fee Grants program focuses on assisting students who are self-funding their tuition fees due to reasons such as prior study or their residency status. It predominantly supports individuals who have previously enrolled in a university or college but did not complete their studies because of ill health, financial problems, personal circumstances, or a realization that their course was not the right fit. Additionally, it aids those seeking asylum in the UK. Specifically, the grant supports undergraduates pursuing a degree at a Scottish Institute of Higher Education who lack eligibility for government funding. The initiative also earmarks funds for students who aim to undertake a second undergraduate degree in a different field of study, especially targeting those who have faced employment difficulties, career setbacks, or health issues post their first degree.