UCU comment on latest university fee levels and student support packages

Commenting on the agreements regarding support for students studying at universities and colleges, UCU said it was vital that students, from whatever background, were not discouraged from university because of the cost.

UCU President, Simon Renton, said: 'At a time when fees and the cost of living continue to rise, it is vital that universities do all they can to help students who most need financial support. Worryingly, it is clear that however tough things are at the moment, they are unlikely to improve.

"It is a real shame that both the chancellor and the prime minister have such warm words for the role higher education should be playing on the global stage, but refuse to back those words up with the investment the sector so clearly needs."

The union pointed to recent announcements from the government that the National Scholarship Programme will be axed in 2015 - the same year student grants will be frozen - as examples of how much tougher life may get for students. 

The full figures and details of institutions' access agreements are available on the OFFA website.