The biggest financial incentive will go to those students who win a place at a top university
A £3m per year higher education cash scheme for students in Cornwall has been approved.
The plan includes scholarships, grants and a smart card worth £30 which can be used towards a student's living costs.
It was prompted after figures showed the number of local youngsters going on to top universities was below the national average.
Funding is already in place for bursaries ranging from £30 to £3,000, the council said.
Families with a household income of £42,600 or below would be eligible to apply depending on the course and where students plan to study.
All students who have lived in the county for more than three years will be offered £30.
Figures from the Sutton Trust in 2011 - which aims to improve educational opportunities for young people from non-privileged backgrounds - said 58% of state school pupils from the county went into higher education, compared with the national average of 64%.
The council said a continuation of the project in years to come would be subject to securing European funds.
- Published5 July 2012
- Published5 October 2011
