The UK Government has announced that maintenance grants will return for some English students from low socio-economic backgrounds by 2029, funded by a tax levy on international students attending English universities.
Maintenance grants, which were taken away in 2016 as they became “unaffordable” to the taxpayer, differ from maintenance loans, as they do not need to be paid back. This cut affected more than half a million students.
The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) have predicted a combined cost of the international fee levy for English universities of £621m, sparking concerns over the possibility of inflated international fees, or a reduction in teaching standards and research as universities drive to absorb the additional costs.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson made the announcement at the Labour Party Conference, stating, “Time at college or university should be spent learning, not working every hour God sends.”
The grants will be available on “priority courses”, which are expected to be announced in the Autumn Budget.
The announcement comes as the cost of living continues to impact students, with the government press release citing “a 20 per cent real-terms decline in the value of maintenance loans over the past 5 years.”
Research by HEPI suggests that students in England need £21,126 annually for a “socially acceptable standard of living,” whilst the maximum maintenance loan currently is £10,544.
Save the Student’s annual report suggests that 76 per cent of students worry about finances, and 61 per cent skip meals to save money.
The Student spoke to Tackling Elitism, a grassroots organisation designed for and by widening participation students, who said: “Prioritising the inclusion of students from low socio-economic backgrounds is crucial in breaking down the financial and social barriers within elite institutions.”
“We hope that the grants are expanded to include all degree programmes and apprenticeships- working-class students shouldn’t have to choose their path based on the amount of support they would receive.”
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