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Postgrad-loans - epetition reply

4 May 2007

We received a petition asking:

"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Extend the Student Loans Scheme to cover those undertaking postgraduate study."

Details of petition:

"Higher Education contributes to the development of individuals and society. We believe that extending the Student Loans Scheme to postgraduates, thereby allowing students to defer the current up-front cost of postgraduate study, will benefit those undertaking postgraduate study and society through those able to access funding. A deferred payment scheme would support those not able to obtain funding and support the completion of postgraduate study for those who wish to undertake it."

Read the Government's response here

The Government's priority is to use public funds to provide financial support for students who are on initial higher education qualification courses. Accordingly, the higher education student support system does not provide the same subsidised loans for students on postgraduate courses as those on undergraduate courses, apart from students who are on postgraduate courses of initial teacher training. However, there are substantial numbers of publicly funded non-repayable studentships and research grants available for postgraduate courses from the research councils, and also from certain charities.

Postgraduate students who are not receiving bursaries or awards from the research councils may also qualify for assistance if in particular financial need, where help is available from their university or college from the Access to Learning Fund; and those who are disabled may apply for Disabled Students' Allowances.

Some postgraduate students can also take out Career Development Loans. These are delayed repayment bank loans offered in partnership with the Learning and Skills Council and three high-street banks - Barclays, the Co-operative Bank and the Royal Bank of Scotland. However, as these are commercial bank loans, the lending decision is the responsibility of the bank.

The postgraduate sector in England, which has grown strongly in recent years, is supported by public funds provided through the Higher Education Funding Council.