SUSI operating ahead of schedule

The student grants awarding body - SUSI - said it is operating ten weeks ahead of what it processed last year.

To date it has processed over 20,000 applications and awarded over 10,000 grants.

However it is also warning students that their applications will not be complete until all necessary documents are submitted.

SUSI hopes to award 40,000 grants to first-time applicants for the 2013-to-2014 academic year.

Spokesperson Caroline Erskine said that last year's delays have been overcome.