This article reviews the implementation of the student loan scheme in China, based on results of the national survey of 100,000 student loan recipients in 2007. By calculating student expenditure on campus, analysing factors which affect family economic status and also considering the possible family contribution, the gap between students' needs and the family contribution of the poorer students was determined. After enquiring into the structure and diversity of the student assistance system, it was found that the student loan scheme was the real core of the system in China. The article discusses the loan scheme from the standpoint of loan recipients in respect of: positive feedback; negative feedback; and judgements on loan repayment. Reflecting on the coverage, amount and effectiveness of the student loan scheme, the article draws conclusions on the value of five types of student assistance for higher education in China, concluding that the student loan scheme is the best way of enabling needy students to gain access to, and remain in, higher education. (Contains 5 tables and 7 figures.)