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21/09/2009
Undergraduates To 'Contribute More'
Students could be faced with higher fees, larger loan repayments and fewer grants under new plans outlined by business leaders.
A report by the CBI's Higher Education Task Force, said that the rapid rise in student numbers, as well as the severe strain on public finances, meant that current public funding levels were "unsustainable".
The report said that the government has already asked universities in England to make savings of £180 million between 2009 and 2011, with many budgeting for cuts of between 10 and 20%.
The report recommended that the government's target of 50 per cent of 18-30-year-olds participating in higher education should be dropped and that tuition fee loans should be provided at the government's cost of borrowing, rather than the current 0% interest.
The report also said that maintenance grants should be re-focused on those most in need, while an increase in fees was also "inevitable", with a suggestion that the fee cap should rise from around £3,000 to £5,000.
The report has been heavily criticised by the National Union of Students, which labelled the report "offensive". President Wes Streeting said: "At a time of economic crisis, when many hard-working families are struggling to support their offspring through university, I am astonished that the CBI should be making such offensive recommendations.
"Students are already leaving university with record levels of debt, while graduate job prospects are at an all-time low."
(KMcA/BMcC)
A report by the CBI's Higher Education Task Force, said that the rapid rise in student numbers, as well as the severe strain on public finances, meant that current public funding levels were "unsustainable".
The report said that the government has already asked universities in England to make savings of £180 million between 2009 and 2011, with many budgeting for cuts of between 10 and 20%.
The report recommended that the government's target of 50 per cent of 18-30-year-olds participating in higher education should be dropped and that tuition fee loans should be provided at the government's cost of borrowing, rather than the current 0% interest.
The report also said that maintenance grants should be re-focused on those most in need, while an increase in fees was also "inevitable", with a suggestion that the fee cap should rise from around £3,000 to £5,000.
The report has been heavily criticised by the National Union of Students, which labelled the report "offensive". President Wes Streeting said: "At a time of economic crisis, when many hard-working families are struggling to support their offspring through university, I am astonished that the CBI should be making such offensive recommendations.
"Students are already leaving university with record levels of debt, while graduate job prospects are at an all-time low."
(KMcA/BMcC)
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08 September 2004
Tories pledge to scrap fees and funnel £21bn more into education
A Conservative government would provide an extra £21 billion investment in higher education, and scrap student fees in favour of loans, it has emerged today.
Tories pledge to scrap fees and funnel £21bn more into education
A Conservative government would provide an extra £21 billion investment in higher education, and scrap student fees in favour of loans, it has emerged today.
08 April 2003
Disadvantaged students to be encouraged into university
Plans for a new Office for Fair Access (OFFA) have been unveiled today which it is hoped will encourage wider participation in higher education.
Disadvantaged students to be encouraged into university
Plans for a new Office for Fair Access (OFFA) have been unveiled today which it is hoped will encourage wider participation in higher education.
14 March 2012
Week Of Action Planned Over Education Changes
A national day of action to protest against changes to higher education is to be staged by students in England. The National Union of Students (NUS) says lectures will be boycotted as students join rallies, marches, petition signings and other events.
Week Of Action Planned Over Education Changes
A national day of action to protest against changes to higher education is to be staged by students in England. The National Union of Students (NUS) says lectures will be boycotted as students join rallies, marches, petition signings and other events.
20 August 2009
A-level Students Receive Results
Students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving their A-level results today, as it has been revealed that a record-breaking number of students have been awarded the top A grades. More than a quarter of students - 26.7% achieved an A, an increase of 25.9% from last year, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) revealed.
A-level Students Receive Results
Students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving their A-level results today, as it has been revealed that a record-breaking number of students have been awarded the top A grades. More than a quarter of students - 26.7% achieved an A, an increase of 25.9% from last year, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) revealed.
08 July 2009
Fees For 'Stay-at-home' Students May End
Ministers are considering axing tuition fees for some students who would not be claiming grants or loans, it has emerged. The 'no fee degrees' - in which students in England would not pay tuition fees - would be aimed at university students living at home with their parents, allowing them to avoid mounting debts.
Fees For 'Stay-at-home' Students May End
Ministers are considering axing tuition fees for some students who would not be claiming grants or loans, it has emerged. The 'no fee degrees' - in which students in England would not pay tuition fees - would be aimed at university students living at home with their parents, allowing them to avoid mounting debts.
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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.
