Menu
05/11/2010
NI Medical Student 'Debt Set To Soar '
The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned how medical students in Northern Ireland will be left almost £70,000 in debt under Government plans to allow universities to charge up to £9,000 in tuition fees.
Proposals to increase the cap on tuition fees for university education are currently under review in the Province following the recent review by Lord Browne and announcement by DEL Minister Danny Kennedy that the Stuart Report is to be updated.
Larne medical student Neil Cunningham, Chairman of the BMA's Medical Students Committee in Northern Ireland said: "Medical students in Northern Ireland are already leaving university with average debt levels of £16,500.
"Indeed according to a recent BMA survey, around a fifth of students reported a level of total debt in excess of £25,000, but in some cases local medical students have found themselves up to £56,000 in debt.
"The BMA estimates that if universities charge the £9,000 rate allowed under these plans, students will see their debts increase to around £70,000. This figure only includes debts incurred from student loans and does not take into account overdrafts, credit cards and professional loans which many students depend on for additional support. Total debt will therefore be much higher.
"We are concerned that the proposal to potentially treble tuition fees will have a devastating financial impact on thousands of talented young people from all backgrounds who want to become the doctors of tomorrow.
"Minister Kennedy has already acknowledged that Northern Ireland leads the rest of the UK in the proportion of those from lower socio-economic backgrounds who enter university; however we are concerned that widening access to medicine in particular will fail if the debt implications of studying to become a doctor are not addressed."
Mr David Adams, Chairman of the BMA's Medical Academic and Staff Committee in Northern Ireland said: "It is important that the higher education system remains open to all so that it can continue to be at the forefront of teaching and training the next generation of doctors .
"The debt implications from these proposals are worrying for all students particularly those thinking about medicine especially as it is a longer course.
"BMA(NI) would like to see the establishment of a system where there is a transparent relationship between the fees paid and the investment in medical education, so that students can clearly see the benefits from undertaking their degree.” "
(BMcN/GK)
Proposals to increase the cap on tuition fees for university education are currently under review in the Province following the recent review by Lord Browne and announcement by DEL Minister Danny Kennedy that the Stuart Report is to be updated.
Larne medical student Neil Cunningham, Chairman of the BMA's Medical Students Committee in Northern Ireland said: "Medical students in Northern Ireland are already leaving university with average debt levels of £16,500.
"Indeed according to a recent BMA survey, around a fifth of students reported a level of total debt in excess of £25,000, but in some cases local medical students have found themselves up to £56,000 in debt.
"The BMA estimates that if universities charge the £9,000 rate allowed under these plans, students will see their debts increase to around £70,000. This figure only includes debts incurred from student loans and does not take into account overdrafts, credit cards and professional loans which many students depend on for additional support. Total debt will therefore be much higher.
"We are concerned that the proposal to potentially treble tuition fees will have a devastating financial impact on thousands of talented young people from all backgrounds who want to become the doctors of tomorrow.
"Minister Kennedy has already acknowledged that Northern Ireland leads the rest of the UK in the proportion of those from lower socio-economic backgrounds who enter university; however we are concerned that widening access to medicine in particular will fail if the debt implications of studying to become a doctor are not addressed."
Mr David Adams, Chairman of the BMA's Medical Academic and Staff Committee in Northern Ireland said: "It is important that the higher education system remains open to all so that it can continue to be at the forefront of teaching and training the next generation of doctors .
"The debt implications from these proposals are worrying for all students particularly those thinking about medicine especially as it is a longer course.
"BMA(NI) would like to see the establishment of a system where there is a transparent relationship between the fees paid and the investment in medical education, so that students can clearly see the benefits from undertaking their degree.” "
(BMcN/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
18 November 2024
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
