Written question asked by Andrew Welsh (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 19 March 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 March 1998. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 March 1998 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what plans he has to assist students over the age of fifty years by means of (a) grants and (b) the waiving of fees.

Answer: Mr. Welsh: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to assist students over the age of fifty years by means of (a) grants and (b) the waiving of fees; and if he will make a statement. [36110] Mr. Wilson: Students currently in full-time higher education who were aged over 50 at the start of their course are eligible for free tuition and a means-tested grant towards their living costs; that will continue for the duration of their continuous programme of study. Those aged 50 and over who begin courses in the academic year 1998-99 will be eligible for a maintenance grant at a reduced rate for that year only. Under the arrangements which will apply to new entrants to higher education from 1998-99 onwards, all eligible students, irrespective of age, will also be entitled to receive means-related help towards the contribution to their tuition costs. We have no plans to extend the eligibility for loans to those aged 50 and over for 1998-99, but we intend to review the position for 1999-2000 and subsequent years when maintenance grants will no longer be available.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 36110; 309 c108W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Fees and charges Education Grants Higher education Loans Scotland Students Mature students