The Welsh Government has announced an additional £40m for universities to support students facing financial hardship, helping the students most affected by the pandemic with expenses such as accommodation costs.

Universities will be asked to prioritise funding towards the most vulnerable students, as well as strengthening advice and support services for students.

With most students currently being asked to study at home, the funding will also be used to address ‘digital poverty’ among students, to enable better access to online learning, and costs incurred due to the need to self-isolate.

The funding is in addition to over £40 million the Welsh Government has already provided to help universities this financial year, which has included £10m towards student hardship, mental health support and student unions.

The funding will come from the Welsh Government’s Covid-19 Reserve, to support the national response to the pandemic, and will be distributed to universities by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW).

Kirsty Williams, the Education Minister, said: “This year, due to reasons beyond their control, many thousands of students have not been able to return to campus yet. In some cases, this means some students might still be paying for their accommodation while they are unable to use it. We recognise how difficult this is, which is why we are announcing this additional funding.

“Our universities have worked tremendously hard to support their students, ensuring learning has continued, while putting measures in place to protect their students, staff and their local communities. This funding will allow them to build on that good work.”

Rebecca Evans, the Finance Minister and Trefnydd, said: “In such difficult times, it is vital we continue to support people currently in education, who will be instrumental as we rebuild our economy in the wake of the pandemic.

“This funding will also help tackle inequality, by ensuring the most vulnerable students and those most affected by the pandemic can complete their studies.

“If you are a student here in Wales, your university or students’ union will be able to provide you with further information about the support available.”

Commenting on the news Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Education, Skills and the Welsh Language, Suzy Davies MS, has welcomed the funding but is also calling on the Welsh Government to go further with support to reduce university fees for students facing ongoing distribution to their courses.

Mrs Davies said: “Whilst I welcome this funding it needs to be ringfenced for students who are going through hardship now.

“However, university students have been paying for their courses but not receiving the full education that they expected. Online learning cannot replace in-person teaching, with students unable to use the full resources that a university offers. The Welsh Government needs to ensure that universities can offer a partial refund for the current academic year, as well as ensuring that students can afford to continue to afford their courses in September.

“Many students will have worked hard in school to gain their university place, and in part time jobs so that they can afford it. It is only right that they are supported and compensated for the loss of learning this year.”