Equivalent or Lower Qualifications (ELQ)

Applies to UK/EU postgraduate students only

The UK Government has reviewed the way that it provides funding to support Higher Education with a view to targeting financial support towards students who have not previously had a university education and to improve the general skills of the UK workforce.


Consequently the decision was taken to stop providing financial support to postgraduate (Masters) who are embarking on a qualification which is equivalent, or lower, to a qualification that they already hold. This will affect postgraduate taught (Masters) courses although some courses are exempt (e.g. NHS funded courses and some science and engineering subjects).

Tuition fees for UK and EU students are also subsidised by the UK Government, and this subsidy will be withdrawn for students who fall within the ELQ category, resulting in a higher tuition fee for students studying postgraduate taught (Masters) courses.

For advice about BU fees, funding and financial support please call askBU on +44 (0)1202 969696, or email at askBUenquiries@bournemouth.ac.uk