Financing for equity in higher education
WALES
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
In the United Kingdom, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education was 79.73% in 2022. In 2021, initial government funding per tertiary student amounted to 38.88% of GDP per capita. Data on initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 3.22% in 2021.
Tuition-free status
Public tertiary education in Wales is not tuition-free; however, the Welsh Government sets a maximum tuition fee. For the 2024–25 academic year, this cap was set at GBP 9,250.
Governance
Medr, the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, oversees funding and regulation of the higher and further education and research sector in Wales, having replaced the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) in August 2024. Student Finance Wales manages student financing for both further and higher education. Universities Wales represents the interests of Welsh universities.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Funds are transferred from the central government to Medr or Student Finance Wales before being distributed directly to universities or students.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
Most universities in the UK are publicly funded, with government support forming the bulk of their income. Only five private universities operate in the country, which do not receive routine public funding.
Allocation and equity
Funding for universities is provided by Medr, the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research. Allocations are determined according to the programmes offered, taking into account factors such as student recruitment across academic subjects, the mode and level of study, and the volume and quality of research conducted at the institution.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
Information not found.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Maintenance Support for Full-Time Undergraduates
For the 2024-25 academic year, full-time undergraduate students are eligible for maintenance support based on their living arrangements. Students living away from home in London may receive up to GBP 15,170 per year, those living away from home elsewhere in the UK can receive GBP 12,150, and students living at home are eligible for up to GBP 10,315. Since 2018, every eligible new full-time undergraduate is guaranteed a minimum grant of GBP 1,000 per year to support living costs. Students from lower-income households are entitled to larger grants, up to GBP 10,124 if studying in London or up to GBP 8,100 elsewhere in the UK.
For students living away from home outside London, maintenance support is calculated according to household income. Households with an income of GBP 18,370 receive a grant of GBP 8,100 and a loan of GBP 4,050, totalling GBP 12,150. Households earning GBP 25,000 receive GBP 6,947 in grants and GBP 5,203 in loans. For incomes of GBP 35,000, the grant is GBP 5,208 and the loan GBP 6,942; for GBP 45,000, the grant is GBP 3,469 and the loan GBP 8,681. Households earning GBP 59,200 or more receive the minimum grant of GBP 1,000 and a loan of GBP 11,150, maintaining total support at GBP 12,150. All eligible students can apply for a tuition fee loan to cover the difference between the grant and the maximum maintenance support.
Support for Part-Time and Postgraduate Students
Funding differs for part-time students. Full-time or part-time postgraduate master’s students may apply for a loan of up to GBP 19,225, while full-time or part-time doctoral students may apply for up to GBP 29,130.
The Disabled Students’ Allowance provides financial support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to cover additional costs arising from disability. For the 2025-26 academic year, the maximum grant is GBP 34,000 and can be used for non-medical personal helpers, major specialist equipment, and other disability-related expenses.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
Students with disabilities who face additional study-related travel costs are eligible for a separate, uncapped travel allowance. This support is provided in addition to the Disabled Students’ Allowance and is intended to cover expenses directly related to commuting or travelling for educational purposes.
Accommodation
No information was found.
Textbooks
No information was found.
