UCAS Finance & Funding + Reference Sections

I've just started my application through UCAS for university in 2025 as an independent candidate in Scotland having left school at the end of S5 in June this year. I feel pretty confident doing the application myself however I have ran into a few problems. When i've reached the finance and funding section I was going to select the UK student finance services option as im going to be applying through SAAS however a friend who had planned to go to uni this year said he was sure that when he put in the school buzzword, SAAS appeared as an option however I don't have a buzzword as im applying independently. Should I just choose the UK student finance option and hope for the best?
Secondly, when it comes to references, I would of thought that my employer for my years work experience would have been responsible for my reference however now looking at the UCAS website, it says it needs to be an academic reference. I didn't fill out any reference request forms before I left school as is required by my school and im unsure what to do as if the school deny me a reference, I won't have one. Should I just contact the school and hope for the best?

I've just started my application through UCAS for university in 2025 as an independent candidate in Scotland having left school at the end of S5 in June this year. I feel pretty confident doing the application myself however I have ran into a few problems. When i've reached the finance and funding section I was going to select the UK student finance services option as im going to be applying through SAAS however a friend who had planned to go to uni this year said he was sure that when he put in the school buzzword, SAAS appeared as an option however I don't have a buzzword as im applying independently. Should I just choose the UK student finance option and hope for the best?

Secondly, when it comes to references, I would of thought that my employer for my years work experience would have been responsible for my reference however now looking at the UCAS website, it says it needs to be an academic reference. I didn't fill out any reference request forms before I left school as is required by my school and im unsure what to do as if the school deny me a reference, I won't have one. Should I just contact the school and hope for the best?

I was a private candidate as well. However, I took coaching classes at institutions who helped me prepare for my A-levels ( Coaching centers or academic centers are quite common in my country ) I submitted the reference of my Law Teacher who works primarily as a barrister. However, if you don’t have any such teachers then asking your school and waiting for their response would be the best. I’m sure they will help you. UCAS asks for academic references. You could also try contacting UCAS regarding your situation or E-mailing your preferred universities.

SAAS is a UK student finance service

Thanks, I thought it would have been but I kept doubting myself as I wanted to make sure my application was 100% correct. Another question for you, in the box that comes up with student support arrangements, would I select Student AA Scotland (seems like it means SAAS to me). Just don’t want to risk getting it wrong.

Yes that’s right.
Generally these questions aren’t too important as long as you don’t pick “private finance” universities will assume you’ll be claiming student finance. Those details get finalised when you actually enrol on a course.