Universities oppose plan for student cap and loans in England

Restricting access to loans and limits on low value' courses would hit disadvantaged groups, say leaders

Universities across England have come out against proposals for limiting student numbers and access to loans, describing the plans as likely to crush aspirations and entrench disadvantage.

Responding to the government's consultation, the three main university groups have lined up with the National Union of Students in opposing plans to limit undergraduates taking low value" courses and stop students from receiving government-backed tuition fee and maintenance loans if they do not have minimum GCSE or A-level grades.