The Office for Fair Access (Offa) watchdog has released details of the bursaries offered by universities as well as the benchmarks they have set for themselves on increasing applications from students from low-income families.

Most institutions, it says, are setting aside between 20 and 30% of their additional fee income for bursaries and other forms of financial support. The market between institutions has emerged principally in student support rather than fees.

Nine out of 10 universities in England are to charge the maximum tuition fee of £3,000 when they are allowed to raise their fees next year.

Government Response: Department for Education and Skills

Ruth Kelly education secretary said: "I welcome the very positive commitment that universities and colleges have demonstrated to ensure all those who have the ability to benefit from higher education are given the opportunity to do so - regardless of their background."

Stakeholder Response: Campaigning for Mainstream Universities

Professor Michael Driscoll, chair of the CMU Universities Group said: "These Access Agreements confirm that CMU universities are already way ahead of the field in breaking down barriers to higher education. It is clear that many more of our students will receive bursaries but that a significant amount of what was supposed to be additional income for universities will actually be diverted into student support and administrative costs.