UK Government allocates £50 million to support students during pandemic

The UK Government has allocated an additional £50 million to support students facing financial pressures from the pandemic

The Universities Minister has announced that students will receive an additional £50 million, on top of the £20 million provided in December, to support them with financial pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the funding, universities will be able to help students facing additional costs for alternative accommodation, loss of employment, or extra costs to access their teaching online.

Universities will be responsible for distributing the funding and will allocate it to those most in need of help, including international students.

Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said:

“This continues to be an incredibly difficult and challenging time for our students, and I am hugely grateful to all the university staff working hard to prioritise their health, wellbeing and learning during this pandemic.

“The additional £50 million that we are announcing today will mean we have distributed £70 million for hardship in this financial year alone – on top of the £256 million of government-funded student premium which universities can use for student support this academic year.

“This additional support will provide real, tangible help for those students struggling financially as a result of the pandemic.

“We will continue to prioritise a full return to education as soon possible, in line with public health advice. I am also working with universities and professional bodies to ensure students can graduate as planned.’