Fees hit limit at half of universities
Half of English universities plan to charge the full £9,000 permitted as tuition fees
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Friday, 08, Apr 2011 04:39
By Bob Bardsley
Half of England's universities are hoping to charge the maximum tuition fees of £9,000 per year, according to research conducted by the BBC.
The broadcaster reports that the top tuition charge - which can only be invoked if universities meet minimum standards - will be set for at least some courses at two-thirds of the nation's academic institutions.
However, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills says there are strict criteria laid down as to when fees will be permitted to pass the £6,000 mark.
For instance, in order to make more affluent students pay the higher amount, universities must ensure that they assist less wealthy undergraduates in joining the same courses, to keep accessibility open to all.
Status at the time of application will be removed from the equation further by plans to make sure nobody pays their fees up-front, instead repaying them once their salary surpasses £21,000.
While the BBC survey placed the average course fee at £8,500, the broadcaster added that ministers expect the actual figure to be "significantly lower" by the time the changes come into effect.