Leeds University students bottom of ‘rich list’

We all ask our parents for the odd fiver, but a recent study has shown that students at Leeds are some of the most financially independent in the country.

New figures published by the Daily Telegraph show that 82% of those joining the University in 2011 applied for a maintainance loan, demonstrating Leeds’ commitment to those from low-income families.

In comparison, just 58% of students at London’s King’s College took loans to pay for the cost of living whilst studying. At St. Andrews, where Prince William and Kate Middleton met, those taking loans were in the minority.

Equality and Diversity officer Charlie Hopper sees these figures as proof of Leeds accepting students “on the basis of their potential, and not their bank balance”.

She added: “We’ve made real efforts at Leeds to make our financial support offer one of the best in the country – up to a third of students arriving in September will receive the flexible new bursary package”.

With less than a fifth of students going without loans, Leeds has far fewer students relying on their parents, compared to its neighbours Sheffield and Durham, according to the Telegraph’s figures.

Reacting to the new £9k tuition fees coming into force in September, the University has committed to spending £18m by 2016/17 on help and outreach for those who might not consider university because of the cost.

Author: Max Bruges