Menu
08/01/2004
Poorest students offered support over university fees
The poorest 30% of students will be guaranteed at least £3,000 a year from 2006 under plans announced by the Education Secretary Charles Clarke today.
Poorer students will benefit from a maintenance grant of £1,500 a year, increased from £1,000 a year, and a fee grant of £1,200 so the poorest students don't pay the first £1,200 of their fees, Mr Clarke said. The government also said that it is considering combining the two grants to a single grant of £2,700 a year.
Under the plans, should students receive this support and the university decides to charge the maximum £3,000 in course fees, the individual will not have to take out any additional loan to pay their tuition fees. The Office for Fair Access will expect the student to receive financial support of at least £300 from the university.
Additional measures to protect all students include: increasing the student loan; abolishing upfront tuition fees from 2006; increasing the threshold for repayment from £10,000 to £15,000; and capping the variable fees universities will be allowed to charge at £3,000.
Graduates find employment in lower paid jobs will have any amount outstanding after 25 years wiped out.
However, Mr Clarke told MPs that the package of benefits was "not a pick and mix menu".
"This is a coherent package to be taken as a whole or not at all. If not supported by this House, none of these benefits will arise," he said
(gmcg)
Poorer students will benefit from a maintenance grant of £1,500 a year, increased from £1,000 a year, and a fee grant of £1,200 so the poorest students don't pay the first £1,200 of their fees, Mr Clarke said. The government also said that it is considering combining the two grants to a single grant of £2,700 a year.
Under the plans, should students receive this support and the university decides to charge the maximum £3,000 in course fees, the individual will not have to take out any additional loan to pay their tuition fees. The Office for Fair Access will expect the student to receive financial support of at least £300 from the university.
Additional measures to protect all students include: increasing the student loan; abolishing upfront tuition fees from 2006; increasing the threshold for repayment from £10,000 to £15,000; and capping the variable fees universities will be allowed to charge at £3,000.
Graduates find employment in lower paid jobs will have any amount outstanding after 25 years wiped out.
However, Mr Clarke told MPs that the package of benefits was "not a pick and mix menu".
"This is a coherent package to be taken as a whole or not at all. If not supported by this House, none of these benefits will arise," he said
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 October 2005
Fee support for part-time students
Part-time students are to receive an increase in financial support under new plans announced by the government. Under the new plans, students studying at least 75% of a full-time course will be eligible to receive up to £1,125 – an increase from the previous maximum of £885.
Fee support for part-time students
Part-time students are to receive an increase in financial support under new plans announced by the government. Under the new plans, students studying at least 75% of a full-time course will be eligible to receive up to £1,125 – an increase from the previous maximum of £885.
03 December 2003
Blair pledges to press ahead with 'top-up' fees
Prime Minister Tony Blair has reminded those who oppose the controversial 'top-up' fee proposals that there is no reverse gear at No 10, stating that he will press ahead with the reform.
Blair pledges to press ahead with 'top-up' fees
Prime Minister Tony Blair has reminded those who oppose the controversial 'top-up' fee proposals that there is no reverse gear at No 10, stating that he will press ahead with the reform.
05 November 2008
Students March Against 'Unfair' Top-Up Fees System
Poorer university undergraduates in England are suffering worst from the current top-up fees system, according to the National Union of Students, which will today stage a protest in London.
Students March Against 'Unfair' Top-Up Fees System
Poorer university undergraduates in England are suffering worst from the current top-up fees system, according to the National Union of Students, which will today stage a protest in London.
13 August 2010
New Students 'Face £25,000 Debt'
Students starting university in September are facing the prospect of graduating with debts of almost £25,000, according to a new survey. A survey of 2,000 students, carried out by student website Push, found that undergraduates now owe on average £5,600 for each year of study.
New Students 'Face £25,000 Debt'
Students starting university in September are facing the prospect of graduating with debts of almost £25,000, according to a new survey. A survey of 2,000 students, carried out by student website Push, found that undergraduates now owe on average £5,600 for each year of study.
08 December 2010
Cameron And Miliband Clash Over Tuition Fees
Ed Miliband has been accused of "rank hypocrisy" by the Prime Minister during a Commons clash over tuition fees. The Labour Leader encouraged ministers to rethink the rise in fees, saying they were "pulling the ladder" away from poorer students and saddling them with huge debts.
Cameron And Miliband Clash Over Tuition Fees
Ed Miliband has been accused of "rank hypocrisy" by the Prime Minister during a Commons clash over tuition fees. The Labour Leader encouraged ministers to rethink the rise in fees, saying they were "pulling the ladder" away from poorer students and saddling them with huge debts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
