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05/11/2010
Medical Students' Academic Debt To Soar
The British Medical Association (BMA) has again warned that UK medical students will be left almost £70,000 in debt under Government plans to allow universities to charge up to £9,000 in tuition fees.
Proposals to increase the cap on tuition fees for university education are currently under review following a recent review.
Among those likely to be hit is Co Antrim medical student Neil Cunningham, who is Chairman of the BMA's Medical Students Committee in Northern Ireland, who said: "Medical students in Northern Ireland are already leaving university with average debt levels of £16,500. Indeed according to a recent BMA survey, around a fifth of students reported a level of total debt in excess of £25,000, but in some cases local medical students have found themselves up to £56,000 in debt.
" The BMA estimates that if universities charge the £9,000 rate allowed under these plans, students will see their debts increase to around £70,000.
"This figure only includes debts incurred from student loans and does not take into account overdrafts, credit cards and professional loans which many students depend on for additional support. Total debt will therefore be much higher.
"We are concerned that the proposal to potentially treble tuition fees will have a devastating financial impact on thousands of talented young people from all backgrounds who want to become the doctors of tomorrow. "
Mr David Adams, Chairman of the BMA's Medical Academic and Staff Committee said: "It is important that the higher education system remains open to all so that it can continue to be at the forefront of teaching and training the next generation of doctors .
"The debt implications from these proposals are worrying for all students particularly those thinking about medicine especially as it is a longer course.
"We would like to see the establishment of a system where there is a transparent relationship between the fees paid and the investment in medical education, so that students can clearly see the benefits from undertaking their degree.” "
(BMcN/GK)
Proposals to increase the cap on tuition fees for university education are currently under review following a recent review.
Among those likely to be hit is Co Antrim medical student Neil Cunningham, who is Chairman of the BMA's Medical Students Committee in Northern Ireland, who said: "Medical students in Northern Ireland are already leaving university with average debt levels of £16,500. Indeed according to a recent BMA survey, around a fifth of students reported a level of total debt in excess of £25,000, but in some cases local medical students have found themselves up to £56,000 in debt.
" The BMA estimates that if universities charge the £9,000 rate allowed under these plans, students will see their debts increase to around £70,000.
"This figure only includes debts incurred from student loans and does not take into account overdrafts, credit cards and professional loans which many students depend on for additional support. Total debt will therefore be much higher.
"We are concerned that the proposal to potentially treble tuition fees will have a devastating financial impact on thousands of talented young people from all backgrounds who want to become the doctors of tomorrow. "
Mr David Adams, Chairman of the BMA's Medical Academic and Staff Committee said: "It is important that the higher education system remains open to all so that it can continue to be at the forefront of teaching and training the next generation of doctors .
"The debt implications from these proposals are worrying for all students particularly those thinking about medicine especially as it is a longer course.
"We would like to see the establishment of a system where there is a transparent relationship between the fees paid and the investment in medical education, so that students can clearly see the benefits from undertaking their degree.” "
(BMcN/GK)
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12 October 2010
Major Debt Ahead For Medical Students
Doctors’ leaders have warned ministers that increasing tuition fees could result in medical students facing a debt bill of potentially £100,000.
Major Debt Ahead For Medical Students
Doctors’ leaders have warned ministers that increasing tuition fees could result in medical students facing a debt bill of potentially £100,000.
10 November 2010
Medical Students Join Tuition Fee Protest
Medical students have today joined the National Union of Students (NUS) and University and College Union (UCU) in a national protest against higher education cuts and planned increases in tuition fees that could leave medical graduates facing debts of around £70,000. The NUS say around 30,000 people are taking part in the protest.
Medical Students Join Tuition Fee Protest
Medical students have today joined the National Union of Students (NUS) and University and College Union (UCU) in a national protest against higher education cuts and planned increases in tuition fees that could leave medical graduates facing debts of around £70,000. The NUS say around 30,000 people are taking part in the protest.
21 February 2005
BMA seek pooled job applications for students
The British Medical Association (BMA) Medical Students Committee have called for a centralised body, through which graduates can apply for their first job.
BMA seek pooled job applications for students
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17 October 2003
Top-up fees will discourage students from medicine: BMA
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Top-up fees will discourage students from medicine: BMA
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09 February 2011
NI Med Students' Disappointed At Proposed Tuition Fees
Medical students have expressed their disappointment and concern at the proposed increase in university tuition fees.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
