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I've read that students who are already at university and will not be affected by the changes in tuition fees, which have been voted in today in Britain.

However, given the very deceptive wording in this article, which talks about students being "charged a near-zero percent interest rate on their loans" when it really means they are charged a rate comparable to inflation, I'm not sure what to believe.

In fact, I find it extremely hard to believe that come 2012 some students will be charged £3,600, say, while others at the same institution and on the same course, but two years behind, will be charged up to £9,000. I would really like some straight facts.

Chris W. Rea
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Derek Jennings
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2 Answers2

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A few links that might help:

Official releases:

http://hereview.independent.gov.uk/hereview/2010/10/press-pack-the-browne-report/

Note the section starting: "The current cap on fees of £3,290 per year will be removed". In other words, from 2012 the new fee structure applies.

http://www.bis.gov.uk/studentfinance

See the loans and grants section especially.

News Outlets See also: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11483638

Especially the section on "When will the proposals take effect?"

I see nothing that suggests the scenario you describe is real - two students, same course, different fees. If you're a student, you pay the fee.

gef05
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Course fees will go up for everyone from the next academic year. My reading on some of the changes to the original proposal which all relate to current and part-time students:

  • Fees will go up for current students as well;
  • The annual salary at which loans must be repaid goes up from £15k to £21k and then annually with inflation;

I saw a report which showed how the monthly loan repayment for a person graduating with a loan would be something like £68 per month once they start earning £21k until the loan is paid off.

Turukawa
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