Withdrawal of funding for equivalent or lower qualifications (ELQs)

We no longer provide funding to higher education institutions (HEIs) and further education colleges (FECs) to teach students who are studying for a qualification that is equivalent to, or lower than, a qualification which they have already achieved.

Background

This policy was implemented following a letter from the then Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills. A consultation was held in the autumn of 2007, and its outcomes published in April 2008. Various data were used to inform the withdrawal of funding.

The policy came into effect in 2008-09, and HEFCE circular letter 07/2008 advised institutions on the fundability status of students for that year.

Theological training for church ministry was granted an exceptional postponement of the application of the ELQ policy for two years. Since academic year 2010-11, the policy has applied as normal to these courses.

Reviewing the impact of the ELQ policy

Following a request from the Minister of State for Education and Intellectual Property in January 2009, we carried out an initial review of the impact of the policy, focusing on developing an evidence base that could be used to inform any subsequent reviews of the policy's impact.

Review of the impact of the policy to withdraw funding for equivalent and lower qualifications

Download the Review of the impact of the policy to withdraw funding for equivalent and lower qualifications as PDF (82 KB) | Download the Review of the impact of the policy to withdraw funding for equivalent and lower qualifications as MS Word (130 KB)

Sector impact assessment

In developing the ELQ policy, we have undertaken a formal assessment of the impact ELQs will have on the HE sector in terms of regulatory burden, equality and diversity, and sustainable development.