MANCHESTER University is to offer '5,000-a-year scholarships to students from poor backgrounds who get three top grade A-levels.
The new Manchester Advantage Scholarship is part of a package of incentives revealed by university bosses today as part of a drive to attract talented students regardless of their family income.
Unlike other scholarship schemes there will be no limit on the number of bursaries awarded.
That means that every student - with a household income of '15,200 or less - will be eligible for the '5,000-a-year bursary, regardless of the number of students who made the grade.
University of Manchester president and vice chancellor Prof Alan Gilbert says the new scholarships reflect the university's commitment to attract the best students.
"As one of the country's leading centres of research and learning, we are committed to attracting and supporting the very best students," he said.
Talent
"If students have the talent, we want to ensure that they have the opportunity to study here regardless of their finances.
The Manchester Advantage Scholarship, which was revealed to students at Winstanley College, Wigan this morning is one of five separate scholarships launched by the university today.
As well as encouraging applications from high-achieving students from low-income families the programme of scholarships also seeks to attract those who are academically outstanding.
The President's Award - worth '10,000-a-year - will be awarded by Prof Gilbert to the 10 most outstanding students from Britain regardless of family income.
There will also be subject specific Manchester Success Scholarships of '1,000-a-year for students who achieve three or more A grades at A level. And there will be Music and Sports Scholarships for talented musicians and athletes.
Students from homes with an income of '22,000 or less will be eligible for '1,000-a-year, through the Manchester Graduate Bursaries.
For students from the Manchester region who have taken part in the university's `targeted access scheme' there will be '2,000-a-year through the Achievement Scholarships.
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What a complete disgrace offering students from 'poor backgrounds' incentives to study. I came from a single parent background and lived in Benchill all more childhood. I worked hard and got into University through merit and sacrifice. Me and my kind didnt get any handouts as incentive to study we did it because we wanted to get out of the poverty trap that blighted our parents. This sort of media grabbing headilines will continue while this inept Labour governtment tries to be a friend of the ordinry person and force sub standard students into Universities to give the appearance of a fairer system. University entrance is easy enough these days without providing positive discrimination in favour of the poor. Bring back grants and boot New Labour out before the completely destroy the English education system