The current system of student finance subjects students to a postcode lottery, the NUS claims.
University students across the UK are staging protests against the top-up fee system today, claiming it penalises undergraduates from poorer backgrounds. The National Union of Students (NUS) is organising a number of local demonstrations to put pressure on the government ahead of next year's review of student finance.
The organisation claims the top-up fee system - which was introduced for new students in the academic year 2006-07 - leaves postgraduates with an average debt of £20,000. In addition, the amount of financial assistance students receive under the new scheme is based on their choice of university, not on their level of family income.
NUS President Wes Streeting said: "We want a national bursary scheme so that poorer students get financial support based on how much they need it, not on where they study. Students and parents also deserve a full, frank and public debate about the current fees system ahead of a general election before families are saddled with even more debt by those who want to see the cap on fees lifted."
Prior to the introduction of top-up fees, students paid a means tested amount towards their tuition fees each year. Under the new system, fees are paid once students graduate and universities are free to charge students anything up to £3,000 a year.
