Kirsty Williams, Cabinet Secretary for Education
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
On 3 March 2016 the Welsh Government published a consultation (WG27990) which proposed introducing a postgraduate loan scheme for students ordinarily resident in Wales for the academic year 2017/18.
I am pleased to confirm that the Welsh Government is able to implement a scheme, subject to appropriate legislation being made
I anticipate that the scheme will comprise a loan of £10,280 for students ordinarily resident in Wales undertaking taught or research courses leading to the award of a Master’s degree.
The course may be full or part time and based anywhere in the United Kingdom. Support will be available to students beginning courses on or after 1 August 2017 only. The full and final details of the proposed loan will be made public when draft regulations are laid with the National Assembly in the spring of 2017.
I made a statement on 22 November 2016 regarding the Welsh Government’s response to the recommendations about student support made by Professor Sir Ian Diamond. Professor Diamond made recommendations for postgraduate support. These recommendations are not due to be implemented until 2018/19 or later and do not impact on the postgraduate loan scheme being implemented in 2017/18.