Degree discount for up-front cash

The NUS says poorer students will be disadvantaged

A university is offering discounts to students who pay their three years' tuition fees before starting a course.

Gloucestershire University said undergraduates who could afford this one-off cost would save 20% - or £1,800 - of the £9,000 charged.

But the discount does not apply to those who take out loans to pay off tuition fees at the start of each year.

The National Union of Students said this was "grossly unfair", as poorer students would end up paying more.

Double discount

A university spokeswoman said the money received in advance would be invested and used to help finance a "generous" bursaries package.

She added: "We are not sure how the scheme will go down, but we are at least offering something different.

"It will save quite a lot of money for students whose families can get together the money in advance.

"It's not just for rich families. A lot of those from poorer backgrounds are debt-averse and might try to save the money in advance."

New fee structure

Tuition fees of £3,000 a year are being introduced at most universities this autumn.

The majority of undergraduates are expected to borrow the money from the Student Loans Company, to pay the cost year by year.

They will then start to pay off their debts when they have a job with a salary of £15,000 or more.

Those taking out loans would not benefit from the Gloucestershire University scheme.

NUS president Gemma Tumelty said: "The situation we see unfolding is grossly unfair.

"This scheme is quite simply rewarding richer students for being rich.

"The discount is clearly only accessible to those who students whose parents can afford to pay the entire amount upfront.

"Everyone else - which will be the majority of students - will have to wait for their fee loan to come through and will therefore miss out on what is a considerable discount.

"If any extra funding is available, it should be going to those students who really need it."