Within the framework of social policy, there are three basic principles that can be used to design a social security system: 1) the welfare principle, 2) the supply principle and 3) the insurance principle. These principles can also be used to design a public student support system. But what results do countries actually achieve when they follow one of these principles in public student funding? Are there any differences, perhaps even important ones? Which system is better for students or society, when measured by certain characteristics?