SCOTTISH government cuts have slashed support to the poorest students, leaving students £5,000 worse off  — and university places are now under threat, according to a leading think tank.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) looked at higher education spending plans published in the SNP-Green draft budget currently making its way through Holyrood.

It found support for the poorest students had been cut by 16 per cent, equal to £1,600 per year, in real terms between 2013-14 and 2022-23, while the latest budget decision to increase borrowing limits by £2,400 could leave graduates £5,000 worse off over the term of the loan.