Figures show fall in student bursaries as support review chief named
THE number of students being paid grants across Scotland has fallen by nearly five per cent in a year with an increasing number taking out loans.
The changes were revealed as the Scottish Government announced the chief executive of Virgin Money, Jayne-Anne Gadhia, will head a review into the effectiveness of the country’s student support system which will report next year
New figures from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) show the number of students receiving bursaries or grants fell by 4.8 per cent to 49,815 in 2015/16 compared with the previous year.
Over the same period the total cost increased by four per cent to £66.1 million.
Liz Smith, the Scottish Conservative education spokeswoman, described the figures as “hugely worrying”.
She said: “At a time when we should be doing all we can to close Scotland’s attainment gap, the SNP has chosen to cut the money given to those who need it most.
“Bursaries are designed to help students get their foot in the door, but this is becoming increasingly hard, and it’s those in our poorest communities who are missing out.”
Scottish Labour education spokesman Iain Gray said: “These figures show almost 20,000 fewer students are receiving grants and bursaries than at the beginning of the last parliament.
“Meanwhile student debt, which the SNP came to power promising to abolish, has soared under the SNP government.
“Labour supports free tuition, but students need the financial support to get through university when they get there. Instead the SNP has slashed bursaries and ballooned debt.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesman Tavish Scott added: “Given the SNP were elected on a promise to replace all loans with grants and to write-off all debts, this is nothing short of shameful.”
Vonnie Sandlan, NUS Scotland president, said student support needed short-term investment and long-term reform, as the current system allows “too many students to fall through the gaps”.
She said: “These figures show we’re making progress on the support available to some students, but reiterate the need for fundamental reform of the whole system.”
Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Higher Education Minister, said she was “delighted” to announced Ms Gadhia’s appointment.
She said: “We are committed to reviewing student support to make sure the system is fair and effective.”
Ms Gadhia said: “It is important to ensure student support is fit for purpose, fair and firmly focused on meeting the needs of all students in further and higher education, particularly the most vulnerable.”