HC Deb 21 May 1981 vol 5 c123W
Mr. Thornton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the rates of grant for postgraduate studentships for the academic year 1981–82.

Mr. Mark Carlisle

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have now decided on the rates of grant for 1981–82 for postgraduate studentships awarded by the education Departments and the research councils. They will be increased as followsFor students living away from home and attending an establishment in London: from £2,570 to £2,770. For students living away from home and attending an establishment outside London: from £2,090 to £2,245. For students living in the parental home: from £1,565 to £1,640.

The rates for 1981–82 will be, on average, about 7 per cent. higher than the rates for 1980–81. This is the outcome of the assessment of the expected rise in living costs; but it also allows for an abatement by about 3 per cent. as a contribution to the Government's policy of restraining public expenditure. The increases are in line with those announced on 15 April for undergraduate students.

There will be an improvement in the older students' allowance payable by the research councils to students who have supported themselves by full-time employment for a total period of at least two years, and in the postgraduate experience allowance payable by the research councils to students who have obtained at least two years of responsible experience, including at least one year since graduating by working full-time in an approved professional capacity. The rates of these allowances will be uprated by amounts varying between £30 and £105. These increases are proportionately higher than the increase in the main grant to encourage students who will normally have had experience in industry.

The increase disregard for scholarship and sponsorship payments for postgraduates will be increased from £750 to 1,000, thus enabling industry to offer larger inducements to graduates to study science and engineering at higher degree level.

Where other supplementary allowances are applicable to postgraduate students they will be at the rates applicable to undergraduate students announced today.

The rates of grant for postgraduate and adult education bursaries will be the same as for undergraduate students.