Web map to show student bursaries

Many students are entitled to extra help

An online map with information on student bursaries on offer at universities and colleges in England is being launched.

It provides links to information on the help available at 219 higher education institutions at the click of a button.

A recent poll suggested two thirds of youngsters were in the dark about the non-repayable cash help on offer.

A growing number of bursaries have been set up after the introduction last September of higher tuition fees.

The map, at http://bursarymap.direct.gov.uk, is produced by the Department for Education and Skills.

Bursaries are non-repayable financial support which are offered in addition to the student finance package available from the government.

I would urge applicants to investigate all the financial support they might be entitled to Bill Rammell Higher Education Minister

It is estimated that more than £115m of non-repayable funds in bursaries and scholarships was distributed to first year students last year.

And it is predicted that by 2010, there could be more than £350m available a year.

Universities and colleges which charge the maximum £3,000 annual tuition fee are required by law to provide at least £305 in bursary per year to students who get the full maintenance grant.

But many higher education institutions provide much more than the minimum, with some offering help to students irrespective of family income.

'Financial barrier'

However, the amount of financial help depends on the university or college in question.

Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell said he was pleased financial concerns were not deterring students from applying to universities.

The latest figures show applications were up by 7% in 2007.

Mr Rammell added: "I would urge applicants to investigate all the financial support they might be entitled to, including bursaries.

"Many universities and colleges offer bursaries - and they do not have to be re-paid.

"Students should be confident that no matter what their background, there should be no financial barrier to them studying at whichever university or college they choose."