Increased financial support for Scottish university students

The Scottish Government announced that from the next academic year (2013/14):

• Students from a family with a combined income of less than £17,000 will receive a minimum of £7,250 (up from £6,380 at present)
• All students will be eligible for a student loan of £4,500 a year (presently the minimum loan is £940)
• Part-time students with a personal income of less than £25,000 (increased from £22,000) will be exempt from tuition fees.

UCU Scottish official, Mary Senior, said: 'Financial concerns are a real issue for students and we are delighted the government has backed our call for greater financial support for university students. Today's announcement is a real shot in the arm for students, particularly at a time when over one in five say they are working more than 20 hours a week to fund their course.'