Higher Education (Student Finance and Skills Shortages) Bill

Key Points

• The Secretary of State must publish proposals for a student loan repayment exemption scheme for graduates of specified courses.
• Exemption can be full or partial, depending on meeting a minimum period of work in a UK-based relevant sector.
• Aims to tackle skills shortages by encouraging graduates to stay and work in designated sectors after completing their studies.
• Details, including which courses and sectors qualify, would be set out in the published proposals.
• The bill’s policy focus sits at the intersection of education and the economy and is currently at the 2nd Reading in the Commons.

Progress

The bill is at the 2nd Reading stage in the House of Commons, having had its 1st Reading in February 2024. If it progresses, it would move to Committee stage and further readings.