Petition to:
UK Government & Department for Education

 
The issue

Across the UK, students enrolled on recognised university degrees are being denied maintenance loans simply because their courses are delivered on weekends or in flexible formats.

Many of these programmes are validated by institutions such as Bath Spa University and delivered through partner providers like the Elizabeth School of London. They are advertised and structured as full-time degrees, yet students are being treated as if they are not eligible for full-time financial support.

 
What’s happening?

Students on these courses:

• Complete 120 academic credits per year
• Study the same modules and assessments as traditional weekday students
• Graduate with the same accredited degree
• Despite this, Student Finance decisions are being made based on how the course is scheduled, not what the course actually requires academically.

 
Why this is a problem?

There is no clear law stating that weekend students are not full-time.

Instead, students are facing the following:

Confusion over eligibility
Lack of transparency from institutions
Sudden loss of financial support
In some cases, demands to repay thousands of pounds
This creates a system where students are told one thing at enrolment—but experience something completely different when it comes to funding.

 
Who this affects?

This situation impacts:

Students who work alongside their studies
Mature students returning to education
People with family responsibilities
Anyone relying on flexible learning to access university
For many, weekend study is the only realistic route into higher education.

 
What needs to change?

We are calling for:

A clear and transparent definition of full-time study for Student Finance purposes
Recognition that academic workload and credits should determine eligibility—not timetable format
Protection for students from being misled or financially penalised
Fair and consistent treatment across all degree programmes
Immediate review of cases where students have been denied or asked to repay funding
 
Why it matters?

Education should be based on effort, commitment, and achievement—not restricted by when classes take place.

If a course demands full-time dedication and leads to a recognised degree, then students deserve equal financial support.

 
Take action

Sign this petition to demand fairness, transparency, and equal access to student funding.

Students should not be disadvantaged for choosing a flexible path to higher education.

 
#FairStudentFinance #EqualEducation #StudentRights