IT is hugely concerning that students from the poorest backgrounds are going without support for fear of getting into debt.
The Scottish Government has set admirable targets for widening access to higher education, but there is little point encouraging those from low-income families to attend university if they will not be able to afford student life.
University is stressful enough for those who can afford to buy rather than borrow textbooks, cover the cost of their accommodation and three square meals a day, and go without part-time jobs that would eat into valuable reading time.
It is entirely understandable that many worry about debt, but if the alternative is dropping out then students must be offered tailored support. This could take the form of improved bursaries, as recommended by NUS Scotland, or loans with terms that represent less of a burden to those for whom they are most vital.
Warning fear of debt is stopping poorest students applying for loans
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