Coalition fight top-up fees
The National Union of Students (NUS) has launched a campaign this week to try and resist the looming introduction of top-up fees by the government. Under current plans, students across the country will face a £2,000 hike in their annual fees unless MPs are persuaded to take the issue to the Commons later this year. A coalition of unions, including teaching unions from the university, college and school sectors, intend to join the NUS in lobbying MPs to help oppose the government initiative.
The impact of the impending fees has had a marked influence on the number of university applications for the next academic year. UCAS figures due to be released at the end of the month are expected to show a significant decline in university applications despite the government target to get 50% of 18-30 year olds in Higher Education by 2010. "The evidence is already mounting up that tuition fees will not open up access to Higher Education, particularly for students from less traditional backgrounds. This is in clear contradiction to the government's aim to get record numbers of students into universities over the next few years," said Kat Fletcher, President of the NUS.
Imperial College, which hasn't been a member of the NUS for over 20 years, had previously attracted widespread media attention over top-up fees due to the Rector's well publicised support. He believes that charging the full economic costs for going to university will allow more money to be diverted to those who can't afford it.
Sir Richard told Felix, "We know it costs a minimum of £12,000 per year to educate our lab-based students, with Medicine being around £25,000. We can't stop teaching Chemistry, even though we're losing about £8,000 per student, because it's an integral part of Imperial College. The government has to recognise that."
The revised fees, which will mean students repay the tuition costs of their education after starting work, have been hailed as a realistic alternative which aims to ease the problem of university under-funding. Ministers have repeatedly argued that the £3,000 fee would not act as a deterrent to students, "I most certainly do not believe that we are going to see a major downturn in applications. Many students would be better off under the new system, with more generous grants and bursaries," said Bill Rammell, Minister for Higher Education.
The NUS President wasn't convinced, "If MPs really believe education is the key to social mobility, they need to act now to stop university education becoming a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. We are calling on them to support the coalition in fighting against any removal of the cap which could see universities charging five figure fees for an education."
The coalition group came together at the House of Commons on Tuesday, 17 January, for the NUS' Annual Reception. The event was hosted by Ian Gibson, MP an , ardent campaigner against topup fees, alongside representatives from across the education sector. Commenting on the potential for success amongst the coalition, Gibson said, "The coalition lays the foundations for real long-term interaction between those who represent students and those who represent teachers, lecturers and staff working in our schools, colleges and universities, which is very exciting. I pledge my full support to the coalition and I look forward to working with them in achieving their aims."
