Epsom University’s financial support to students has been praised as “an example to follow” by the government.

Universities Minister David Willets called for more UK universities to take notice of the University for the Creative Arts in offering support through philanthropic donations.

The minister spoke during a fundraising event hosted by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) at the House of Commons April 7.

Mr Willetts said: “With money getting tighter in higher education, philanthropy and contributions from people who want to show their support for higher education, matter even more.

“The obligation of the Exchequer and taxpayers to finance higher education is very important but we can’t do it on our own, so it is great to see that UCA has already put so much effort into raising funds and that students are already benefiting from the scholarship programme that has been put in place.”

The event at the House of Commons was organised to thank those who had donated to last year’s scholarship fund, while also making potential philanthropists aware of the scheme.

High-profile guests included Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman, fashion designer Anne Tyrrell, broadcaster and entrepreneur Loyd Grossman, and artist Humphrey Ocean.

TV’s Loyd Grossman, who has been a major donor to the scholarship fund for the past two years, said: “The financial burden of university education will be thrust upon students and their families next year, which makes it more important than ever that UCA provides a wide variety of scholarships for those who need it most.”