Scotland is increasingly becoming a knowledge intensive economy. The demand for acceptable education is increasing. Graduate education offers significant benefits to society. There is a student funding gap between what students can borrow from government and their costs. Too much part-time work can impede study.
Many students qualify for benefits, for example in the case of mature students.
Since benefit contributions were removed for students it has had a knock-on effect on their ability to study and hardship has worsened. The so-called Access Funds are actually Hardship Funds. Traditional school leaver patterns have shifted and this trend will continue if lifelong learning really materialises. The links between FE and HE are stronger. As more people get more qualifications there will be a requirement for more HE level study.