Recent attempts of the British government to shift its student aid programs from grants to loans are discussed, along with parallels between developments in student aid policy in both Britain and the United States. Great Britain's higher education structure, access to education, and enrollments are briefly described. In Britain over 90 percent of students receive financial aid, compared to about 50 percent in the United States. Aid to British students takes two main forms: mandatory government grants to eligible students enrolled in approved courses, and discretionary awards given to students not qualifying for mandatory awards. Fiscal problems in both countries may mean continuing pressure to reduce funding for student aid programs and thus restrict access to college. The proposed changes in the British student grants system and the reimposition of tuition would mark a departure from the tradition of free or highly-subsidized tuition. In the United States, a recent Reagan administration plan would bar access to loans for many middle-income students. (SW)