08/01/2004
UU Vice Chancellor hits out at tuition fee plans
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster has said that variable university tuition fees to be introduced under government plans announced today were “a blueprint for a divided society”.
Under plans unveiled today by Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, 30% of the poorest students will be guaranteed at least £3,000 a year from 2006 under new plans.
Such 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. The government also said that it is considering combining the two grants to a single grant of £2,700 a year.
Commenting on the plans, Professor Gerry McKenna said they would make for an underperforming community. “Entry to our professions will be now on the basis of affordability, and not natural ability," he said.
“Many people of outstanding talent will be excluded from our major professions and from other occupations quite simply because their circumstances preclude them from being able to pay the higher fees. They will be forced to study subjects of their third and fourth choices, on the basis that they will be able to afford entry to these courses.
“Government’s plans will make for an underachieving and underperforming community at a time when the new knowledge society and knowledge economy requires us to make the most of the most precious natural asset of all - our people.
“The variable fees are bad for higher education, bad for society and bad for the economy”, he added.
Under the new 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.
(MB)
Under plans unveiled today by Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, 30% of the poorest students will be guaranteed at least £3,000 a year from 2006 under new plans.
Such 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. The government also said that it is considering combining the two grants to a single grant of £2,700 a year.
Commenting on the plans, Professor Gerry McKenna said they would make for an underperforming community. “Entry to our professions will be now on the basis of affordability, and not natural ability," he said.
“Many people of outstanding talent will be excluded from our major professions and from other occupations quite simply because their circumstances preclude them from being able to pay the higher fees. They will be forced to study subjects of their third and fourth choices, on the basis that they will be able to afford entry to these courses.
“Government’s plans will make for an underachieving and underperforming community at a time when the new knowledge society and knowledge economy requires us to make the most of the most precious natural asset of all - our people.
“The variable fees are bad for higher education, bad for society and bad for the economy”, he added.
Under the new 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.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.