Russell Group response to announcement of additional student hardship funding

02 February 2021

In response to the Government announcement today (2 Feb 2021) of an additional £50 million to support university students impacted by Covid-19, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said:

"Students should be praised for the way they have responded during the pandemic to the various national and local restrictions that have been put in place and to the blended and online learning models that have become a necessity. Our universities have worked hard to support students through this difficult time – investing more in wellbeing and mental health support as well as offering financial help to those struggling with accommodation and other living costs.

"It is good to see those measures further boosted by the Government with additional funds specifically for students facing difficulties with day-to-day living costs. This group is likely to be far wider than those who would normally be eligible for support through OfS student premium funding. We therefore look forward to working with Government and the OfS to look at how the funding is allocated so it can support as many of those who are in need as possible."