Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 March 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 March 2011. It was answered by Lord Willetts (Conservative) on Monday, 14 March 2011 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Students: Finance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) levels of family income and (b) other criteria will determine whether students are eligible for bursaries or other financial assistance under the plans set out by the Director General of the Office for Fair Access.

Answer: It is for institutions themselves to determine the criteria they will use in making bursaries and other financial assistance available to their students. The Director of Fair Access has made clear in his guidance to institutions that he will normally expect such support to be targeted at the most disadvantaged students and that he will only take account in his assessment of access agreements of financial support directed at those entitled to state maintenance grants. In regard specifically to the new National Scholarship Programme, we have announced that only those with low family income below £25,000 a year should be considered, but institutions will decide who to help from this broad group according to their priorities for widening participation and access.

Secondary information