Most universities to charge maximum fee

(13/1/04) Many universities have already decided to charge the maximum £3,000 top-up fee for all their courses, according to a survey by The Guardian released today.

Interviews with 53 of the 89 university vice-chancellors in England showed that few universities intend to charge variable fees and the elite universities are already campaigning for the maximum charge to be raised.

Although more than half the universities interviewed had not yet decided their policy, nearly 75% of those who had intended to charge the maximum amount for all courses.

Other universities plan to charge the maximum fee for all courses apart from those that are harder to fill.

The new universities are the most likely to charge variable fees.

The Guardian survey found that most vice-chancellors did not believe the top-up fees would resolve the current funding crisis.

"It is clear from The Guardian's survey that if top up fees are introduced the gap between the so-called new and old universities will grow ever wider,” said UNISON young members officer, Chris Fabby.

Fabby explained that the new universities risk being considered second rate if they do not charge the full amount but at the same time they do not want to put off potential students by being too expensive.

"It is vital that the introduction of variable fees is defeated," he said. "Once the principle is conceded an ivy league system will be established with a market-based fee system that will price out many talented individuals."

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