David Willetts,
the Universities and Science Minister, has today announced the
student support package for 2012/13 for new and continuing
students, including those at alternative providers.
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.Maintenance grant loan
levels for particular groups of undergraduates starting in 2012/13
– such as those living away from home and studying in London and
those living at home while studying – and distance learning
students will be entitled to tuition loans on the same basis as
full-time students for the first time.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.
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.”
1. These changes are subject to parliamentary approval.
2. In order to access student support a student must meet
eligibility requirements.
3. 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.
4. Full-time students studying at alternative providers will
continue to have access to maintenance support on the same basis
as other full-time students.
5. 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
6. 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.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Michael Gibbs
Phone: 020 7215 1635
michael.gibbs@bis.gsi.gov.uk