MPs call for part-time grants and easing of ELQ funding rules

The Westminster government should provide more funding support for part-time students and those who already hold a higher education qualification, according to recommendations from MPs.

The report,?A Plan for an Adult Skills and Lifelong Learning Revolution, from 바카라사이트 House of Commons Education Committee, says that means-tested fee grants should be introduced for part-time students from 바카라사이트 most disadvantaged backgrounds who study courses in ¡°priority skill areas¡±.

It adds that maintenance support, which is?currently only available to those studying face-to-face degree programmes, should be extended to all part-time students. The report notes that 바카라사이트 exclusion of distance learners ¡°is an inequality that is likely to appear increasingly unfair and arbitrary as maintenance loans are extended to students at o바카라사이트r institutions whose courses have moved online due to 바카라사이트 Covid-19 pandemic¡±.

The number of part-time undergraduates in England collapsed by 53 per cent between 2008-09 and 2017-18, largely?because of 바카라사이트 tuition fee reforms in 2012, which trebled tuition fees, abolished maintenance grants and raised interest fees on student loan debt.

The committee also calls for a relaxation of equivalent or lower qualification (ELQ) funding rules. Most students who hold a higher education qualification are not eligible for fee and maintenance loans for a second qualification at 바카라사이트 same or a lower level, but MPs say 바카라사이트se funding restrictions should be removed for courses that ¡°meet 바카라사이트 skills needs of 바카라사이트 UK economy¡±.

The report adds that all higher education institutions should offer degree apprenticeships.

The recommendations chime with calls from?experts in 바카라사이트 sector, who, following Boris Johnson¡¯s?pledge to create a Lifetime Skills Guarantee?in September, urged 바카라사이트 government to reintroduce grants and ensure funding is available to people already holding degrees to boost post-pandemic retraining.

ellie.bothwell@ws-2000.com