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Student Perceptions of the Impact of Bursaries and Institutional Aid on their Higher Education Choices and the Implications for the National Scholarship Programme in England

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 January 2013

CLAIRE CALLENDER  and
DAVID WILKINSON
CLAIRE CALLENDER
Affiliation:
Birkbeck and Institute of Education, University of London, London, WC1B 5DQ email: [email protected]
DAVID WILKINSON
Affiliation:
National Institute for Economic and Social Research, London, SW1P 3HE email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Variable tuition fees and bursaries, funded by higher education institutions, were introduced in England to promote student choice and provider competition, while bursaries would off-set higher fees and safeguard access. Both have been central to government reforms of undergraduate student funding since 2004. This article assesses student perceptions of the impact of bursaries on their higher education decisions and choices, and considers the implications for the 2012/13 National Scholarship Programme. It concludes that most students do not think their choices are affected by bursaries, although those who are cost-conscious, expect to receive higher bursaries, especially of £1,000 or more, and attend Russell Group universities are more likely to think bursaries are influential and important. The reconfiguration of institutional aid from 2012/13 may overcome some perceived barriers to the effectiveness of financial support, but is likely to exacerbate others, and create new impediments and inequalities.

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Social Policy , Volume 42 , Issue 2 , April 2013 , pp. 281 - 308
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013

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