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Government 'must support postgrad study'

Published: Tuesday, 30 September 2008   Category: Government policies | Public sector

The government must offer more financial support to postgraduate students, it has been claimed.

According to the National Union of Students (NUS), the loan system which funds undergraduates should be extended to those who go on to study further, reports BCC News.

Speaking to Radio 4's Moneybox programme, Aaron Porter, vice-president for higher education at the NUS, said: "The government, if it claims that postgraduate study is important, and it does, needs to ensure a fairer funding system to support students."

However, the government says it has no plans to change the current system.

Under the present scheme, postgraduate students have access to funding through grant or career development loans, with the latter being charged at commercial rates of interest.

Those with debts to clear might be interested to know that some big companies are giving new recruits money to help them cope.

According to a report in the Times, the Confederation of British Industry has found "a number of firms" are helping those who are appointed to graduate jobs with their remaining tuition fees.