My story

My son and I are part of a low-income family on the Isle of Man. I was grateful when he received full university funding, as it gave him the opportunity to pursue higher education without the burden of excessive tuition costs. Yet, despite receiving full funding, he still struggled with living costs and had to take out loans to make ends meet.

The loans available to him were also very limited compared with the student finance available to students in the UK. The larger maintenance and student loans available through the UK system are simply not available to students from the Isle of Man in the same way. This meant that even with full funding, meeting the actual cost of living was difficult.

Witnessing his experience firsthand opened my eyes to the financial challenges that many families face when supporting their children through university — particularly families on middle incomes.

Middle-income families can find themselves in a difficult position. They may earn too much to qualify for substantial financial support, yet have nowhere near enough disposable income to comfortably cover university costs, accommodation, travel and living expenses.

A family’s income on paper does not necessarily reflect what they actually have available. Household bills, housing costs, other children and the general cost of living can significantly reduce the money available to support a student.

This can be particularly difficult where parents are separated and maintaining two separate households. In these circumstances, parental income should be considered alongside the reality that two homes have to be maintained, rather than assuming that income is available to support one household.

I believe the Isle of Man’s university funding system should be reviewed to ensure that it reflects the real financial circumstances and disposable income of families, rather than relying solely on income thresholds.

This could include reviewing grant thresholds, taking greater account of household expenditure and circumstances, and considering how parental income is assessed where parents maintain separate households.

Our children should not miss out on higher education simply because their family falls between the categories of “low-income” and “able to afford it.”

I am asking the Isle of Man Government and those responsible for student funding to review the current system and create a fairer and more realistic approach to university funding.

Please sign this petition and support a fairer future for students and families on the Isle of Man.