Students suffering financial difficulties as a result of coronavirus will have access to more money following a Government pledge of £50 million.
The news comes following weeks of pressure from students who are feeling the effects of the pandemic.
It means the total amount provided to support students for this financial year has been increased from £20 million to £70 million.
Universities Minister Michelle Donelan hailed the funding as “real, tangible help” during a “difficult and challenging time”.
She said: “I am hugely grateful to all the university staff working hard to prioritise their [students’] health, wellbeing and learning during this pandemic.”
She added: “We will continue to prioritise a full return to education as soon as possible, in line with public health advice.
“I am also working with universities and professional bodies to ensure students can graduate as planned.”
The funding will allow universities to support students who have been impacted by the pandemic, such as those facing costs for alternative accommodation, a loss of employment, or extra costs due to the transition to online learning.
Platform contacted Nottingham Trent University to find out how this funding would be allocated but no response was received at the time of publication.
By Matt Lee
Feature Image: Kieran Burt (inset: Gareth Milner)