A recent analysis has revealed that diversity scholarships and financial aid programs at Oxford and Cambridge universities largely exclude white working-class students, despite this group being among the most under-represented in higher education. These schemes tend to prioritize ethnicity over socio-economic background, allowing eligibility primarily for students from black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups.

The issue has raised concerns about a perceived “two-tier academic society,” particularly following a report published earlier this week highlighting that white working-class children are some of the most disadvantaged and underachieving in English schools. Critics argue that support based mainly on ethnicity overlooks socio-economic disadvantage irrespective of race, potentially marginalizing white working-class youths.

Suella Braverman, the education spokesman for Reform UK, stated that under the Equality Act, the system seems to work against white working-class families. She suggested that Oxford and Cambridge should assess applicants based on merit rather than skin color to uphold their historic tradition of meritocracy.

An anonymous 20-year-old white working-class student shared his personal experience of feeling excluded from many outreach and financial support programs because such initiatives are typically limited to ethnic minority applicants. Despite achieving top A-level grades, he said he had to decline a confirmed offer from a leading London university due to a lack of financial aid that would cover living and accommodation costs. He noted that while his non-white friends could access bursaries and schemes unavailable to him, he was forced to defer his studies and take a gap year to save money.

The student also pointed to similar patterns in employment and internship opportunities, citing examples from the UK’s security services and financial institutions. For instance, GCHQ offers summer training programs and internships restricted to women and ethnic minority candidates, while the Bank of England provides internships exclusively for applicants of black heritage, which include significant bursaries not available to others. Major professional services firms also operate schemes specifically targeting black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates alongside open programs.

Proponents of these targeted initiatives argue they constitute “positive action” measures permitted under the Equality Act 2010, intended to address historical underrepresentation and disadvantage experienced by ethnic minority groups. Meanwhile, detractors contend that restricting opportunities based on ethnicity can disadvantage equally or more socio-economically deprived individuals who do not belong to those groups.

Oxford University declined to comment on the issue, and the University of Cambridge was contacted but had not provided a response at the time of reporting. The debate underscores ongoing tensions around how best to achieve fairness and diversity within education and employment by balancing efforts to support marginalized groups without excluding others who also face significant obstacles.