Published:
Heriot-Watt University is to offer free bus passes to Widening Access students.
The institution will fund bus passes for these students for travel within Edinburgh, for the full academic year.
This is the first time the university has made the scheme available, and the offer continues for each year the student remains at university.
Those eligible come from areas known as the Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). The offer is also extended to care leavers.
Currently, the increase in social diversity in the student population is one of the Scottish Government's top priorities and Heriot-Watt has been working to increase numbers with Summer Schools and other initiatives.
In 2017/18 there was a 27 per cent rise in the number of applicants from SIMD areas compared to 2016/17.
Professor Gill Hogg, Deputy Principal Development and Engagement said: “We're delighted to launch this scheme, to encourage students from all backgrounds to do well.
“Heriot-Watt has had a strong commitment to Widening Access to ensure every student, no matter where they come from, can reach their true potential.
“We're currently above the national average for Widening Access recruitment, however we have to improve and this scheme, along with our Summer Schools is just one of the many ways we're looking to attract students from less well-off backgrounds.
“It's important for universities to represent all backgrounds within our society as this only enhances the creation and dissemination of knowledge.”