WELSH students applying for university will benefit from the most generous student support package in the UK according to a statement issued by the Welsh Government

All eligible Welsh undergraduate students starting university this year will be able to apply for a new financial support package that will help address living costs.

The first of its kind in the UK, it is designed to recognise that costs such as accommodation are the main barrier for those making the choice about whether to go to university.

With National Student Money Week approaching from February 12th - 16th, the Welsh Government has launched an awareness campaign to promote the benefits of university with the help of more financial support available.

Grants will be means-tested with students from homes with lower household income receiving the highest grants.

The latest figures from Welsh Government show that students in Wales spent 46% of their student income on their course and 37% on living. Housing came in at 18%.

Welsh Education Secretary, Kirsty Williams said, ‘Money is clearly a very important factor when deciding when to go to university, and for those who are already studying, money is found to be a major cause for stress.

‘With this in mind we have designed a new package of support to alleviate these concerns that both parents and students share. This will allow students to focus on their studies without having to worry about how they are going to afford their day to day living costs.

‘The support that Welsh students, studying anywhere in the UK, can apply for is now equivalent to the National Living Wage. In addition, most students will have no upfront costs to pay as a tuition fee loan can be taken out to cover their course.

‘It is important to remember that student loans are only repayable when borrowers earn more than £25,000 per year. Repayments can start from as little as £30 a month.

‘Living costs must not be a barrier to going to university. I want everyone who has the talent, potential and ambition to have that opportunity. Whether it’s studying full-time or combining it with your career and studying part-time, university should be an option for everyone, no matter what your background or income.’