Education (Student Loans) Act 1990. This Act is controversial because it challenges the established assumption that, subject to means tests, the government should fund fees and maintenance of all students taking first degrees. It envisages a proportion of such cost being met in future as a loan repayable by the student after graduation. The loans may be provided in respect of ‘courses of higher education’ as defined in a Schedule to the Act. These include first degrees and further training courses for teachers or youth and community workers. Thus first degrees in theology and post graduate courses for teachers of Religious Education would be covered. Post graduate degrees are not generally eligible although courses up to first degree level which could be funded would seem to include training for ordination. Loans can only be made in respect of universities and other designated institutions.