Postgraduate students across England are already at a financial disadvantage compared to undergraduates, as their loans are unlikely to cover living costs. Despite this, they do not have access to the same assistance those struggling financially at undergraduate have. Not only is the bursary for low income students not available to them, NTU's Discretionary Hardship fund is also undergraduate only.

This fund is for students who are struggling to cover their expenditures and are hence at risk of dropping out or being forced to defer. Whilst postgraduates will have more life experience and be expected to understand their financial capabilities before the start of their course, unexpected events do happen that worsen a student's circumstances, as this pandemic has made clear.

Now more than ever, the student body needs access to emergency funds. So many have lost their jobs and/or are unable to find one. Some students may have had assistance from family who are now struggling. Not only are far fewer jobs available, but there is a mental health crisis among students. As well as mental health conditions making it more difficult to hold down a job, the fear of not being able to make rent will only make things worse psychologically, resulting in a vicious cycle.

NTU can help by opening up the fund to postgraduate students, and consider offering bursaries at that level as well.

Help should have already been available. It is simply even more crucial now.