Students at Edinburgh Napier University are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the financial demands associated with higher education, it has been revealed.
According to the Journal, applications for hardship funds are up 16 per cent compared with the figure recorded this time last year.
This is because of the difficulties students are having in finding part-time work, the paper said, while there are also concerns over delays in the provision of student loans and accommodation.
An Edinburgh Napier student, who recently received £100 in living expenses from the hardship fund, told the Journal that the award had been gratefully received.
"I was very happy to receive it because I really need the money," she commented.
"Obviously, I'd like to get more, but it was a nice boost."
However, just 51 per cent of Edinburgh Napier University's hardship pot for this academic year has been allocated, while 32 per cent of the hardship fund at Edinburgh University is yet to be distributed.
Student debt in Scotland stands in excess of £2 billion, figures show.
