New students still without funds

[T_i_B]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8296618.stm

Up to 175,000 students in the UK may still be waiting to receive their student loans and grants, a week after most courses started.

Of the record one million students who applied for funding this year, 16% have not yet received any loans or grants.

First years have been hardest hit, with just 72% of applications dealt with, details given under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed.

Universities are giving some students hardship grants to help them and are not fining them over late payment of tuition fees.