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08/07/2009
Fees For 'Stay-at-home' Students May End
Ministers are considering axing tuition fees for some students who would not be claiming grants or loans, it has emerged.
The 'no fee degrees' - in which students in England would not pay tuition fees - would be aimed at university students living at home with their parents, allowing them to avoid mounting debts.
The proposal is in a draft framework for the future of higher education, the BBC today reported.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) said a number of measures to increase access to university are being considered, however, nothing has yet been finalised.
It is thought the idea would appeal to those would-be students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, who would be put off going to university for fear of debts, as well as those who are supporting themselves through part-time employment while they are studying.
Next year tuition fees are set to cost £3,225 per year. The National Union of Students (NUS) have already voiced concerns over the cost of fees combined with living costs.
Wes Streeting, President of the union, told the BBC: "I do worry about the future of higher education when those with the ability to pay to study at an institution elsewhere have the traditional experience - the moving away, the gaining of friends and independence.
"Poorer students, on the other hand, could be stuck in the communities they grew up in."
A spokesman for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, also told the BBC: "As part of the higher education framework we are considering a number of measures to increase access to higher education and maintain our sector's world class status.
"Ahead of its publication any discussion of the proposals it will contain are purely speculative."
Ministers are due to begin a review of tuition fees this year. At the moment, universities cannot charge more than the £3,225 cap.
(JM/BMcc)
The 'no fee degrees' - in which students in England would not pay tuition fees - would be aimed at university students living at home with their parents, allowing them to avoid mounting debts.
The proposal is in a draft framework for the future of higher education, the BBC today reported.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) said a number of measures to increase access to university are being considered, however, nothing has yet been finalised.
It is thought the idea would appeal to those would-be students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, who would be put off going to university for fear of debts, as well as those who are supporting themselves through part-time employment while they are studying.
Next year tuition fees are set to cost £3,225 per year. The National Union of Students (NUS) have already voiced concerns over the cost of fees combined with living costs.
Wes Streeting, President of the union, told the BBC: "I do worry about the future of higher education when those with the ability to pay to study at an institution elsewhere have the traditional experience - the moving away, the gaining of friends and independence.
"Poorer students, on the other hand, could be stuck in the communities they grew up in."
A spokesman for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, also told the BBC: "As part of the higher education framework we are considering a number of measures to increase access to higher education and maintain our sector's world class status.
"Ahead of its publication any discussion of the proposals it will contain are purely speculative."
Ministers are due to begin a review of tuition fees this year. At the moment, universities cannot charge more than the £3,225 cap.
(JM/BMcc)
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13 May 2003
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
10 November 2010
Medical Students Join Tuition Fee Protest
Medical students have today joined the National Union of Students (NUS) and University and College Union (UCU) in a national protest against higher education cuts and planned increases in tuition fees that could leave medical graduates facing debts of around £70,000. The NUS say around 30,000 people are taking part in the protest.
Medical Students Join Tuition Fee Protest
Medical students have today joined the National Union of Students (NUS) and University and College Union (UCU) in a national protest against higher education cuts and planned increases in tuition fees that could leave medical graduates facing debts of around £70,000. The NUS say around 30,000 people are taking part in the protest.
11 November 2010
Fifty Arrests Over Student Protest Disorder
A total of 50 people have been arrested for disorder in connection with yesterday's student protest in central London. All were taken to various police stations around London and have since been bailed.
Fifty Arrests Over Student Protest Disorder
A total of 50 people have been arrested for disorder in connection with yesterday's student protest in central London. All were taken to various police stations around London and have since been bailed.
12 October 2010
Major Debt Ahead For Medical Students
Doctors’ leaders have warned ministers that increasing tuition fees could result in medical students facing a debt bill of potentially £100,000.
Major Debt Ahead For Medical Students
Doctors’ leaders have warned ministers that increasing tuition fees could result in medical students facing a debt bill of potentially £100,000.
05 January 2012
University Applicant Figures Show 'Late Surge'
The universities applications centre has reported a late surge in submissions from students amid speculation that total applicants are considerably down due to higher fees.
University Applicant Figures Show 'Late Surge'
The universities applications centre has reported a late surge in submissions from students amid speculation that total applicants are considerably down due to higher fees.
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