Planning for university is a major financial commitment for students and families in Wales, but with good planning, these costs can be managed. Whether saving early or seeking financial solutions while studying, here are the best options to consider before and during university.

1. Start early with a Junior ISA

A Junior Individual Savings Account (ISA) is a tax-free option for long-term savings. Parents can contribute up to £9,000 annually, with interest or gains being tax-free. Junior ISAs come in two forms: cash ISAs, safer with lower returns, and stocks and shares ISAs, which offer higher growth but carry more risk. Starting early allows savings to grow significantly before university.

2. Scholarships and bursaries for Welsh students

Many Welsh universities offer scholarships and bursaries specifically for Welsh students or those studying in Wales. These can help reduce the need for extra loans, allowing students to allocate their funds towards essential expenses like tuition, living costs, or even services like pay for essay assistance. By using online writers, students can acquire immediate assistance with their work.

Cardiff University, Swansea University, and Aberystwyth University all provide scholarships to help reduce the financial burden on Welsh students. Researching and applying early can significantly lower the amount needed to borrow or save.

3. Student loans and Welsh Government support

The Welsh Government provides extra support for students through Student Finance Wales, offering loans for tuition fees and maintenance, along with grants to help with living expenses.

Welsh students benefit from the Welsh Government Learning Grant, a non-repayable financial aid to help with living costs. The amount depends on household income, with lower-income families receiving more. This reduces reliance on loans, making university more affordable and easing debt after graduation.

4. Help to Save scheme

The UK Government’s Help to Save scheme is ideal for low-income students or parents looking to save. Eligible individuals earn a 50% bonus on savings, meaning for every £1 saved, the government adds 50p. 

Over four years, you can save up to £2,400 and earn up to £1,200 in bonuses—an excellent way to build a university fund, especially for those on working tax credit or Universal Credit.

5. Welsh university hardship funds

If you’re already at university and facing financial difficulties, many Welsh universities offer hardship funds or financial aid to help with urgent needs like rent, bills, or course materials. Each university has its own eligibility criteria, so it’s worth exploring this option if you encounter financial challenges during your studies.

6. Part-time work during university

Many Welsh students take on part-time jobs to help with living costs. Universities in Wales often provide student roles, such as working in libraries, cafés, or administration, designed to fit around academic schedules.

Local jobs in hospitality, retail, or remote work can provide a steady income, with the key being to find flexible roles that don’t interfere with academic performance. Services like the Swansea Employability Academy and similar university programmes help students find suitable part-time work.

Conclusion

For Welsh students and families, saving for university becomes easier with the right approach. Starting early, applying for scholarships, and considering part-time work are crucial steps in reducing the financial burden of higher education. With proper planning, students can manage university costs and secure their financial future.

WALES’ new post-16 education minister revealed plans for an emergency fund for universities amid concerns about an estimated £100m shortfall.

Vikki Howells was quizzed in the Senedd about reports of a rescue plan for universities in England, including a £1bn bail-out and fee rises as well as cuts to courses and staff.

Pressed about the Welsh Government’s own plans, she said: “I’m aware that the UK Government has this emergency fund that they’re bringing into play.

“Medr is going to have its own funds to support our institutions here in Wales.”

Medr, a new body which was established in August, now oversees all post-16 education and research – including colleges and sixth forms unlike its predecessor, Hefcw

Ms Howells stressed the emergency funding, which she did not put a number on, would seek to transform the sector as well as bail out universities in financial peril.

She told the Senedd: “Although we know this is a difficult time, and the sector needs to find ways to reduce costs, we don’t believe there is any Welsh institution that is at risk of failure.”

Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru’s shadow education secretary, was not so sure as he warned of a funding crisis facing Welsh universities.

He said: “I believe, if the [Welsh] Government doesn’t take urgent action, we could lose these very special institutions – a number of them.”

Mr Campbell added: “Considering the financial hole that faces many of our Welsh universities, thought to be £100m, the pressure is growing on you as a government to work with our universities to find solutions that will protect jobs, students and our wider economy.”

Calling for clarity on the Welsh Government’s position, the former lecturer warned: “Let’s not beat around the bush – Welsh universities face serious challenges and the clock is ticking.”

Ms Howells, a former assistant head of sixth form at Caerphilly’s St Cenydd Comprehensive, said the pressures are not unique to Wales “but across the UK and even internationally”.

She pointed out that Welsh Government funding makes up about 10% of the total, saying many of the factors fueling financial pressures on universities are outside ministers’ control.

Ms Howells emphasised that universities are autonomous, “so they will be taking their own decisions, albeit with an input and a steer from myself and from Medr”.

Tom Giffard, the Conservatives’ shadow education secretary, warned the number of people going to university has fallen to a 15-year low.

Mr Giffard shined a light on “stark” statistics showing 33% of 18-year-olds in Wales applied to university this year, compared with 41.9% for the UK as a whole.

He warned of a 1% drop in the number of people pursuing apprenticeships, saying it is worrying to see fewer and fewer people choosing both routes.

Mr Giffard, a former teaching assistant in a Welsh-language primary school, raised concerns about Medr’s priorities being too broad, a lack of targets, and unfilled posts.

Ms Howells, who was appointed last month, pointed to non-repayable grants for students from the poorest households but she accepted that participation needs to improve.

In a statement to the Senedd on October 15, the minister outlined her priorities for post-16 education including a focus on three Cs: collaboration, cooperation and community.

Urging people to respond to a consultation on Medr’s strategic plan, she described the new arm’s-length body as a major step towards a vision of a more coherent post-16 sector.

John Griffiths, a Labour backbencher who represents Newport East, raised ColegauCymru’s calls for a national vocational education and training strategy.

Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan warned of declining numbers of pupils in sixth forms in the past few years, with no sixth-form provision at all in any school in some counties.

Labour’s Mike Hedges, who was a lecturer in Pontypridd for 27 years, welcomed the minister’s appointment and “more importantly” the creation of the position itself.

Rhys ab Owen, an independent, cautioned that a fourth C, Cymraeg, was missing from the minister’s statement as he raised concerns that 99% of college training is in English.

Adam Price, the former MP and Plaid Cymru leader, criticised a decision to close a Coleg Sir Gâr campus, bringing an end to nearly 100 years of further education in Ammanford.

NEW CareersCraft landmark launched on 15 October 2024 at Bluestone resort with local school pupils

• The resource enables pupils to be immersed in a 3D Minecraft version of the Bluestone resort to develop careers knowledge and awareness of the hospitality and tourism sector in Wales

Careers Wales, in partnership with Visit Wales Welsh Government and Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire, have launched a new landmark feature based on Bluestone’s 500-acre resort, within the award-winning CareersCraft resource.

CareersCraft is a Minecraft world featuring Welsh landmarks, designed to inspire and motivate school children aged 8 – 13, whilst developing their careers skills and knowledge. Each landmark is linked to an Area of Learning within the Curriculum for Wales, or a particular sector.

Through exploring the landmarks virtually through the platform and taking part in challenges, young people are encouraged to consider their own skills, attributes and interests, and how these can support their career journeys. 

Bluestone, which is located near Narberth, is a new addition to the seven landmarks already within the CareersCraft world, all detailed below with the Area of Learning or sector they relate to:

• Bluestone – hospitality and tourism
• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – engineering
• The Senedd – language, literacy and communications
• Tenby – health and wellbeing
• Cardiff Coal Exchange – maths and numeracy
• Wales Millenium Centre – expressive arts
• Big Pit – science and technology
• Caernarfon Castle – humanities

To celebrate the release of the new landmark, Careers Wales hosted a launch event on Tuesday 15 October at the Bluestone resort with pupils from Templeton Community Primary School.

After an introduction to the new landmark, pupils were invited to complete the Bluestone challenges, including testing the safety of the Sky Walk at the Serendome, sorting the resources in the Well Spa and finding missing swimming floats at the Blue Lagoon.

This was followed by a tailored careers session, providing an opportunity for pupils to gain an insight into the world of hospitality directly from Bluestone staff. The exciting event ended with a personalised tour of Bluestone, letting the pupils explore the resort in-person, and learn more about careers within the industry.

Oliver Furneaux, a teacher at Templeton Primary School, said: “The children have thoroughly enjoyed today, as have I, and I think CareersCraft is an excellent resource. The children liked that the session was so interactive and that they’ve been using Minecraft, which they love anyway. Having potential jobs they can do in the future built into a Minecraft world creates a really interesting and engaging way for the children to learn.

“It’s definitely something I can take back to the school and share with the other teachers and classes, and schools within our local area as well. With Bluestone built into the resource, it is a fantastic way for the children to see how they might stay and work in the area in the future.”

A pupil from Templeton Primary School said: “I’ve loved that you get to go places and it looks the same as in real life. We’ve learnt about jobs that are actually real and it’s really cool how to get to experience them.”

A second pupil said: “I really enjoyed the Skywalk challenge, even though it’s hard, I found it really fun, especially when you get your high score. I’ve learnt not to give up on the challenges. I am definitely going to play it at home.”

Nikki Lawrence, Chief Executive at Careers Wales, said: “It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with our colleagues at Bluestone and Visit Wales and launch the exciting new Bluestone landmark within CareersCraft.

“Bluestone is an iconic holiday resort, and this new landmark enables players to explore the vibrant hospitality industry and discover the opportunities within this sector in Wales.

“It’s fantastic to see local school pupils exploring the new features of CareersCraft, developing their careers knowledge and expanding their horizons, all whilst in the beautiful setting of Bluestone itself.” 

“We’re thrilled to be part of CareersCraft, opening the doors of Bluestone to young minds throughout Wales and beyond,” said Helen John, Bluestone Academy Manager.

“This virtual experience showcases the exciting world of hospitality and tourism, inspiring the next generation of employees and industry leaders. It’s a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the diverse career paths available right here in the heart of Pembrokeshire and throughout Wales.”

The Minister for Skills, Jack Sargeant, said: “I want our children and young people to be offered as many opportunities as possible to be inspired and motivated about their future careers. Opportunities like the fantastic one Templeton Primary school pupils have had today – meeting employees at our award-winning Bluestone National Park Resort.

“Thanks to Careers Wales and Bluestone, this new virtual world in the CareersCraft resource will also give pupils across Wales an opportunity to find out about the breadth of valuable career options available in tourism and hospitality.” 

CareersCraft is available to all pupils in schools across the country through Minecraft Education Edition, and is accompanied by lesson plans for teachers.

The resource is also available for anyone with a games console, tablet or laptop to download and has had over seven million downloads through Minecraft Marketplace.

In 2021, CareersCraft was nominated in the ‘Use of Technology in Career Development’ category at the CDI’s UK Career Development Awards.

You can find out more about CareersCraft on the Careers Wales website.