§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assistance will be given to students over the age of 50 years beginning higher or further education courses in Scotland in 1998 towards the cost of living and tuition fees. [21151]
§ Mr. WilsonUnder the new student support arrangements for full-time higher education, students aged over 50 will be eligible for means-related help with tuition fees on the same basis as other students, which means that if they are on low incomes they will continue to receive free tuition.
Under the current student loans scheme full-time students who are aged 50 or over when their course starts are not eligible and we do not plan any changes in those arrangements for academic year 1998–99. We will however be reviewing the position for future years in the context of the move to 100 per cent. loans for maintenance. Both full-time and part-time students in higher education will be eligible for Access Funds from academic year 1998–99, regardless of their age.
Students in further education will not be affected by these changes and will continue to be able to apply for a bursary from their college or education authority, as appropriate.