NUS Wales

President's Welcome

Welcome to NUS Wales' section of the website.

The student landscape is an ever-changing one and the next year is a crucial time for students in Wales. So let's look forward to a challenge and to greater co-operation between NUS and students in Wales. I wish you all a successful and enjoyable year!

About the organisation

NUS Wales is the largest democratic organisation in Wales, representing over a quarter of a million students from both the Higher and Further Education sectors.

NUS Wales is an open organisation which works in partnership with students’ unions in Wales. Local and National Government, the Media, Industry, Trade Union, Pressure Groups and Voluntary Organisations all recognise and respect NUS Wales as the collective voice of students in Wales.

The Structure of NUS Wales

NUS Wales is an autonomous 'special region' of NUS UK, setting its own policy, electing its own executive committee, and campaigning on the issues that affect students studying in Wales.

As well as the Welsh Executive Committee, NUS Wales has 6 permanent member of staff to support the work of the organisation.

NUS Wales' budegt for the year is decided at NUS UK's Annual Conference but the Welsh Executive Committee retains control over expenditure. The finances and staff of NUS Wales are managed by the Manager of NUS Wales who also serves as a member of the management team of NUS UK.

History of NUS Wales

NUS Wales was established in 1974, and campaigned for many years for devolution for Wales, pushing hard for that successful YES vote in the 1997 referendum. Today, we enjoy the fruits of our labour by utilising a constructive relationship with the Welsh Assembly Government.

The future poses many challenges for the student movement. Our membership is rapidly changing. The students of today face threats very different from those facing their predecessors thirty years ago, but NUS Wales continues to work tirelessly to create an education system that delivers quality courses, develops learners as individuals and protects students against hardship, discrimination and ill-health.

Our Members

Think of the word 'student' and what do you think? 18 year-old, beer swilling rugby boys terrorising the city centre stealing traffic cones? Think again. Did you know...

• The majority of our members aren't actually at university... they study in FE.
• The majority of university students are in actual fact mature students aged over 24.
• Nearly half of those students work simply to pay for necessities such as rent, food and heating. Not to mention course equipment, books, field trips, computers...
• And a third of all those working regularly miss lectures.
• The average Welsh student should expect to fork out around £70-80 a week for basic living expenses.
• And can expect to earn on average between £12,000-£16,000 a year after graduation...well below the national average wage.
• The worry of hardship takes its toll... one in two will consider at some point dropping out of education because of financial burdens.
• And sadly, one in five will drop out.