The decision to up undergraduate student’s maintenance loans has received mixed reactions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From September, undergraduate students’ loans will be increased by 9.4%. This means that the average amount a full-time student in Wales can claim will increase from \u00a310,710 to \u00a311,720.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the increased student funding does not apply to postgraduate students, who will only see a slight rise of 1.8%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Micaela Panes, a PhD student at Cardiff University says “the majority of postgrad research students are being left behind or forgotten, and are receiving very little in terms of support from the Welsh government, the university or even the student union”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“PhD students really are the backbone of the research community, and so many of us go on to work for the Welsh government or in civil service. If you want us to continue to produce this cutting edge research, then for the love of God, please support us with some more money. We can’t afford to continue.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the National Union of Students say they are “delighted that the Welsh Government has chosen to support its students”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n