UNISON is calling on the Government to give disadvantaged students a fair chance at a degree. As universities across the country announce their fees, the union is warning that many young people will be priced out of education, with the going rate for a degree standing at £9,000 a year.
UNISONÕs Head of Higher Education, Jon Richards, said:
ÒYoung people from disadvantaged backgrounds deserve a fair shot at getting into any university in the UK. With the going rate for a degree now at £9,000, the danger is that many will be put off.
ÒEven universities who have set lower fees are still pricing them way above the GovernmentÕs recommendations.
ÒHigher Education cannot be done on the cheap, universities need funds to deliver high quality services. But huge fee increases and Government cuts are leading to job losses and a lack of resources that is leaving the service struggling .
ÒThe Government must think again about the new fees, which will plunge thousands of young people into serious debt. We know there is an alternative to fee hikes and service cuts.Ó
Any university or college that wants to charge tuition fees for full-time home/EU undergraduates above the basic level must have an access agreement approved by the Director of Fair Access. This sets out its fee limits, its plans for bursaries and other financial support and, in many cases, outreach work for under-represented groups.