The money available for individuals to undertake short courses in Scotland could more than double for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, Holyrood has learned.

The Individual Learning Accounts (ILA Scotland) scheme, which currently gives £200 towards the cost of a course to people earning under £18,000, could be extended in April to coincide with the launch of the new Scottish skills body under proposals being discussed.

Under the proposals, the £200 course donation may be increased to as much as £500 for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, in order to help improve employability.

Scotland decided to press on with the ILA scheme despite the collapse of its English equivalent among allegations of fraud and misuse in 2001. The Scottish scheme is safeguarded by involving learndirect Scotland and the Student Awards Agency of Scotland as delivery partners.

The Government would not confirm the proposals, but did say that it aimed to look at scope for “enhancing the scheme’s impact in future”, including “taking account of learndirect Scotland’s move into the new skills body and the opportunities that may offer”.

As well as the likelihood of extending the funds available to learners, ILA Scotland has also been adding constantly to the number of courses that can be taken under the scheme. People can now choose from 15,000 courses from 300 different learning providers.

Thus far some 46,000 learners have undergone courses through ILA Scotland, which also offers £100 to all Scots over 18 towards the cost of studying, even if they earn over £18,000.

Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop is also committed to making an announcement on support of part-time students after the Scottish budget has been announced.

Related news items:

• 'All systems go' for Glasgow super campus
• Aberdeen launches degrees to boost health education
• Above average unemployment among Scottish graduates
• Adult learning organisation appoints new chair
• Adults with literacy difficulties given help to write books