Target bursaries where they will be most effective, says ECU

The Office of Fair Access today (23 September 2010) published research that shows disadvantaged young people have not been influenced by the size of bursary on offer when making university choices.

Have bursaries influenced choices between universities? recommends that higher education institutions that currently offer higher bursaries may be more effective in widening access through outreach work instead.

Commenting on the report, David Ruebain, chief executive of Equality Challenge Unit, said:

'ECU welcomes OFFA's report looking at the impact of bursaries on student university choices, and the recommendation for higher education institutions to work closely with disadvantaged young people through outreach work to raise their aspirations and encourage wider participation in higher education, rather than focusing specifically on providing bursaries.

Nevertheless, factors such as race, gender and disability can influence access to higher education - especially if this is coupled with economic disadvantage. When reviewing their bursary programmes, institutions may find it more effective to target support for underrepresented equality characteristics.

The positive action measures in the Equality Act 2010, which come into force in October, will allow institutions to go further than before to help widen access and create a more diverse student body.'

ECU will be publishing updated guidance in October to advise higher education institutions on providing student scholarships and bursaries that comply with equality legislation.