POTENTIAL university students could benefit from an £80,000 cash boost aimed at encouraging undergraduates who come from families on modest incomes.

Up to 40 bursaries, each worth a total of £2,000 over three years, are being made available by University College Worcester for eligible students starting full-time undergraduate courses after September 1 this year.

Students must be 21 at the start of their course and from modest income backgrounds with little or no family history of higher education.

"These bursaries will hopefully encourage those who may decide not to go to university to give it a chance," said registrar John Ryan.

"Although there are student loans available to undergraduates, we recognise that young people from low income families need additional support and some are very reluctant to enter university because of the debt levels they will incur."

Mr Ryan said that every year the Henwick Grove university college received an allocation through the Higher Education Funding Council and was required to ''spend a certain amount on bursaries''.

UCW decided to access its bursaries to ''benefit students from poorer backgrounds''.

"They are also for people whose families or older brothers and sisters haven't been in higher education," Mr Ryan added. "Graduates have a higher earning potential and better employment prospects."

The scheme is a new initiative for UCW, which has only used bursaries in the past for childcare facilities to benefit mature students.

"Any money to help people fund themselves is great. It's nice to see the extra support as student debts are increasing." said Gemma Ball, vice-president of education and welfare with the UCW Student Union.

Application forms can only be completed after students have accepted an offer from UCW. Closing date for applications is Saturday, June 30.

For details ring the Admissions Office, University College Worcester on 01905 855005 or visit the open day on Sunday, June 24 (10am-3pm).