More support for students while studying
Maintenance grants will be increased for existing undergraduates at the start of the 2012/13 academic year - this is the first increase…
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Maintenance grants will be increased for existing undergraduates at the start of the 2012/13 academic year - this is the first increase in maintenance in three years.
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A more generous package of maintenance loans will be available for full-time undergraduates starting in September 2012 - including up to £7,675 per year for those living away from home and studying in London, and up to £4,375 per year for those living at home while studying.
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For the first time, full-time distance learning students will be entitled to tuition loans on the same basis as other full-time students.
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Undergraduates at higher education providers not funded by HEFCE will be entitled to borrow up to £6,000 to cover their tuition costs, so long as their course is designated by BIS.
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David Willetts, the Universities and Science Minister, said:
“All our higher education reforms are designed to place students at the heart of a more dynamic sector. We are focussing support on those students who need it most because no one should be deterred from higher education on financial grounds. Continuing students and new students will both benefit from more generous maintenance rules, while part-time students and distance learners will be entitled to new support to cover the costs of tuition.
“The new system will be more responsive to student choice. As a first step, we are making sure students at alternative providers can benefit from the more generous tuition loan system in place from 2012/13.
“Looking further ahead, our forthcoming higher education white paper will consult on further liberalisation of the sector. Today’s announcement is an important step towards the goal of public spending following the decisions of learners.”
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These changes are subject to parliamentary approval.
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In order to access student support a student must meet eligibility requirements.
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Courses delivered by alternative providers must be designated by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills before their students can access student loans and student support. This process is administered by the Student Loan Company.
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Full-time students studying at alternative providers will continue to have access to maintenance support on the same basis as other full-time students.
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Eligibility changes for students at privately funded providers complement the recent decision to enable those studying part-time to have their tuition costs paid via a student loan - see http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=417812&NewsAreaID=2
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BIS’s online newsroom contains the latest press notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom for more information.
Notes to Editors
Contact Information
Name BIS Press Office Job Title
Division COI Phone
Fax
Mobile
Email NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Name Michael Gibbs Job Title
Division Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Phone 020 7215 1635 Fax
Mobile