§ Mr. Keyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what new proposals he has to help more overseas students from developing countries to study in Britain.
§ Mr. RaisonI propose to set up a new scheme called the Overseas Development Administration shared scholar-ship scheme (ODASSS). Up to 450 scholarships over five years will be available (up to 50 in the first year and up to 100 a year thereafter). It will be jointly funded by my Department and by those universities and polytechnics which wish to participate. Awards will be open to students from developing Commonwealth countries.
The first awards will be in academic year 1986–87 and I shall seek the appropriate financial provision in due course. The awards will be for those of excellent academic calibre who do not qualify for assistance under existing Government support schemes and who are unable to finance the cost themselves.
The scheme has been drawn up after informal discussions with organisations and individuals concerned with overseas students and higher education in Britain. My 10W Department will be having further detailed discussions with these organisations before the scheme comes into operation.