Student Support System

The new fees system to be used in 2006 is quite complicated in the sense that there are no clear winners nor losers among the students. Parents stand to benefit the most as no fees are paid up-front and the burden of payment is transferred to the children who assume the responsibility when they start earning.

Students coming from low income families, earning £ 17,500 or less a year get a fixed grant from the government, a bursary from their university and eligibility to an official student loan. Students from the middle scale income of £ 37,500 + a year get no grant and bursary. However, no up-front fees are required to be paid and a full student loan can be availed. Students with families earning over £ 50,000 a year, the high income level, likewise get neither grant nor bursary and will be eligible only for 75% of the student loan.

This system appears to favor students coming from the poorest homes as the scheme involves giving benefits to one at the expense of another.

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