Cash Promise for Edge Hill Students

Edge Hill?s tuition fees proposals, approved by the Office for Fair Access (OFFA), will mean more money for students and more affordable higher education for everyone.

It is expected that from 2006, when deferred fees of £3,000 are introduced around 50-60% of students applying to Edge Hill will benefit from 'non-repayable? cash to support them through their studies.

Those whose families earn less than around £15,000 per year will be entitled to £1,000 annual bursary, and those on less than around £33,000 will receive £500 per year. This means that an Edge Hill student from a low-income background could expect to receive around £11,700 in non-repayable cash (in the form of a bursary, maintenance grant and privilege card) to study for a three-year full time degree. Edge Hill is also offering scholarships worth £1,000 and £2,000 to students who demonstrate excellence and an additional £250,000 will be available to provide extra support for those with disabilities.

In order to ease the burden on families, siblings* studying at Edge Hill will have their fees reduced by £1,000 per year. On top of this, all eligible students will receive a £200 privilege card, irrespective of bursary entitlement, to pay for a range of study materials. Chief Executive Dr John Cater thinks that Edge Hill?s offer will secure its position in the top five higher education institutions that recruit students from low participation neighbourhoods:

"Early indications are that Edge Hill will commit twice as much proportionately than the average university. We have already made a positive impact to the student learning experience by investing £60m over ten years to produce one of the best campuses in the North West, and we plan to plough more income derived from fees into enhancing facilities for students," said Dr Cater.

"In addition we are increasing our investment in outreach activities to raise awareness of opportunities in higher education. Guest lectures in schools and colleges, taster days and master-classes on campus, as well as tailor made packages to meet the needs of individual schools and colleges will combine to make sure that those who have the potential to benefit from higher education have knowledge and support to apply.

Edge Hill?s package of financial support will help to maintain our position as a major provider of higher education for mature students, first generation students, students from low income families and those from low participation neighbourhoods." ENDS EDITOR?S NOTES: Edge Hill Excellence Scholarships of £1,000 or £2,000 will be awarded for: Excellence in Sport Excellence in Performing Arts Excellence in Creative Arts Excellence in Volunteering Excellence in Academic Achievement Excellence through Access

*Siblings who begin courses that are eligible for fees from 2006 onwards will receive the £1000 bursary for the years that they concurrently study at Edge Hill.

For further press information please contact: Roisin Rowley-Smith PR Manager Tel: 01695 584509 Fax: 01695 584355 E mail: rowlesr@edgehill.ac.uk or pressoffice@edgehill.ac.uk