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05/11/2008
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.
Thousands of students are expected to descend on the capital, to put pressure on the government ahead of its review into higher education funding, scheduled for next year.
Student union members have argued the existing system leaves an average student with £20,000 of debt, and that the current financial support mechanism is merely a 'postcode lottery'.
NUS President Wes Streeting said all students had to pay £3,145 in top-up fees, but the amount of financial assistance they receive depends on where they live.
Poorer students who apply to richer universities could receive £1,791, while others may only be able to offer £680.
Students have called for a national bursary scheme that would ensure poorer students get financial support based on how much they need it, not on where they study.
"Students and parents also deserve a full, frank and public debate about the current fees system ahead of a general election before families are saddled with even more debt by those who want to see the cap on fees lifted," said the NUS President.
However, the government's Universities Department has stressed there is no evidence to suggest top-up fees were discouraging new undergraduates.
Fees do not have to be repaid until graduates earn over the £15,000 threshold, added the department.
The government has already moved to replace partial funding to middle-income families to the growing number of poorer students receiving full grants, a step that could reportedly affect 40,000 students.
(PR/JM)
Thousands of students are expected to descend on the capital, to put pressure on the government ahead of its review into higher education funding, scheduled for next year.
Student union members have argued the existing system leaves an average student with £20,000 of debt, and that the current financial support mechanism is merely a 'postcode lottery'.
NUS President Wes Streeting said all students had to pay £3,145 in top-up fees, but the amount of financial assistance they receive depends on where they live.
Poorer students who apply to richer universities could receive £1,791, while others may only be able to offer £680.
Students have called for a national bursary scheme that would ensure poorer students get financial support based on how much they need it, not on where they study.
"Students and parents also deserve a full, frank and public debate about the current fees system ahead of a general election before families are saddled with even more debt by those who want to see the cap on fees lifted," said the NUS President.
However, the government's Universities Department has stressed there is no evidence to suggest top-up fees were discouraging new undergraduates.
Fees do not have to be repaid until graduates earn over the £15,000 threshold, added the department.
The government has already moved to replace partial funding to middle-income families to the growing number of poorer students receiving full grants, a step that could reportedly affect 40,000 students.
(PR/JM)
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08 September 2004
Tories pledge to scrap fees and funnel £21bn more into education
A Conservative government would provide an extra £21 billion investment in higher education, and scrap student fees in favour of loans, it has emerged today.
Tories pledge to scrap fees and funnel £21bn more into education
A Conservative government would provide an extra £21 billion investment in higher education, and scrap student fees in favour of loans, it has emerged today.
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.
21 January 2004
Howard slams top-up fees plan as a 'dog's breakfast'
Tory leader Michael Howard has slammed Labour's top-up tuition fees policy as “a complete dog's breakfast”, during Prime Minister Questions in the House of Commons today.
Howard slams top-up fees plan as a 'dog's breakfast'
Tory leader Michael Howard has slammed Labour's top-up tuition fees policy as “a complete dog's breakfast”, during Prime Minister Questions in the House of Commons today.
21 April 2005
Liberal Democrats to tackle student debt
The Liberal Democrats have promised to remove the fear of debt from university students by scrapping tuition and top-up fees and increase grants for poorer students. The party announced that a Liberal Democrat government would provide grants of up to £2,000 per year to poorer students.
Liberal Democrats to tackle student debt
The Liberal Democrats have promised to remove the fear of debt from university students by scrapping tuition and top-up fees and increase grants for poorer students. The party announced that a Liberal Democrat government would provide grants of up to £2,000 per year to poorer students.
27 July 2004
Benn warns WTO over 'bias' against poorer countries
Continued bias against poorer countries in the international trading system represents a possible threat to peace and security for us all, the Secretary of State for International Development has warned negotiators at the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) General Council in Geneva this week.
Benn warns WTO over 'bias' against poorer countries
Continued bias against poorer countries in the international trading system represents a possible threat to peace and security for us all, the Secretary of State for International Development has warned negotiators at the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) General Council in Geneva this week.
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