NUS Scotland launches student hardship survey

NUS Scotland has launched a survey into student hardship and debt to provide evidence on how the current economic climate is affecting students studying in Scotland.

An open letter has been sent from NUS Scotland, all opposition parties and 25 students association presidents calling on the Scottish Government to take a new direction on student support, namely prioritising student hardship over graduate debt.

Student views

NUS Scotland is working to prove that during the economic recession, increasing the amount of support available during studies is more important than reducing graduate debt. To do this, NUS Scotland has set up a survey for students to give their input.

"Our student support model is based on a number of flawed assumptions; parents will be able to contribute, part-time jobs will be available during term-time and summer jobs during the holidays," said Gurjit Singh, NUS Scotland President.

"The current economic downturn is really going to test those assumptions and I'm not sure we'll like the results come next academic year.

"Our survey will provide the evidence for the correct approach to student support policy in Scotland, but we need as many students studying in Scotland to get behind this and complete the survey."

Win an Ipod nano

The survey is open until 12 June and by entering students will be entered into a draw to win an Ipod nano. Please pass the survey on to all your students.

The Scottish Careers Advisory Services is also completing research on supply and demand of jobs available during term and the summer holidays.