An Aberystwyth student leader is calling for sweeping changes to university funding and student support in a bid to make Wales the best place in the UK to study.

Gwenno Roberts, president of the Welsh Student Union, Undeb Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Aberystwyth (UMCA), has co-authored a policy paper outlining eight ambitions for Welsh higher education.

The report, Y Gorau Oll (The Very Best), was written with Jim Dickinson, associate editor of higher education publication Wonkhe.

It calls for improvements to student finances, mental health support, employment opportunities and the influence students have over their education.

Among its recommendations are protecting Wales' existing maintenance support system, increasing financial assistance in line with living costs and introducing minimum funding guarantees for students' unions.

It also proposes greater flexibility for students taking courses across institutions, improved mental health research and a national student employment strategy.

Gwenno said the proposals were intended to encourage collaboration between universities, students' unions, the Welsh Government and higher education regulator Medr. She said: "This isn't about criticising anyone's existing contribution to our higher education landscape." Instead, she argued, Wales should build on its existing strengths to attract students and encourage graduates to remain in the country.

The paper suggests Wales' smaller population and devolved government could make it easier to coordinate policies affecting education, housing, healthcare and transport.

Originally published in August, the report has been highlighted by Aberystwyth Students' Union as an independent review of Welsh higher education gets under way.

The Welsh Government appointed a panel chaired by Professor Patrick Prendergast, which met for the first time in October.

Its review will examine university finances, student support and the sector's long-term sustainability.

However, the review's terms require recommendations to be fiscally neutral, potentially complicating proposals involving additional public spending.

Gwenno said improving the student experience could also help Wales address skills shortages and retain more graduates.