News
15/12/2011: University applications in the UK drop sharply.
University applications have dropped sharply after the hike in fees, according to The Telegraph. What could that mean for you? Possibly more of a chance for getting a good place as the situation arguably changes slightly in favour of applicants… not in a financial way of course.
02/10/2011: Ucas proposes an overhaul of the university application system.
Ucas suggests the current system is too complicated in not fair enough. It proposes changing the system so students can apply after getting their results. It proposes earlier exams and no university start until October. It also proposes 3 different windows for applying. It further suggest that some changes may take place from 2014.
http://www.studenttimes.org/st_news/st_article1.php?article_id=1782
22/10/2011: Universities could lower their student fees to keep up undergraduate numbers.
MPs in the UK expect that a £9000 student fee will be the exception, rather than the rule. They expect that, in order to keep up student numbers, universities will lower their student fees possibly to £7500 within two years, if not immediately.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-14556649
07/10/2011: The truth about high tuition fees and student finance (for UK and EU students only):
The link will provide you with a handy calculator to find out what you will actually be paying back.
Important points:
- your loan will be written off after 30 years.
- you will only start paying when you earn over £21,000.
- your loan is not interest free; the interest rate will depend on how much you earn after your degree.
- higher tuition fees don't automatically mean higher monthly repayments at the end of your degree. Remember, you only start paying back once you earn over £21,000. repayments will be spread over a longer period.
- tuition fee loans are now open to part time students as well.
- there are maintenance grants as well… which don't need to be repayed if you finish the course.
- your monthly repayment will be the same, whether your course fee is £9,000 or less.
- repayments could be as low as £7.50 a month, depending on what you are earning.
the main message: make sure you take your time to check out the facts before jumping to conclusions!
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-finance-calculator
21/09/2011: Modernisation of Higher Education in Europe; the social dimension of Higher Education.
A report with a lot of background on trends within Higher Education in Europe, and a plea to address the social dimension to higher education study, especially in view of the economic downturn. Have a look a the stats in the linked document on the website to compare your own country with the UK.
http://web.docuticker.com/go/docubase/65123
05/09/2011: University could charge up to £36.000 for a degree.
Edinburgh could now become the most expensive university in the UK.. for students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Students who live in Scotland and elsewhere in the EU don't normally pay tuition fees. Because standard degrees are normally 4 years, as opposed to 3 years in England and Wales, a full degree at Edinburgh University could cost up to £36.000 (approximately 40.600 €) the BBC reports. The argument goes on…
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-14784810
03/09/2011: The Times international ranking of universities.
Looking for a high quality university that fits in with your plans? This website may help you…
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/
02/09/2011: For students from the EU, studying in Scotland is much cheaper than studying in England. This isn't the case for students from England and Wales.
Good news for European students who have set their sights on graduating from the University of Edinburgh or St. Andrews, or any of the other high qualilty universities in Scotland. Not good news for Englsih and Welsh students who have the same plans and who have to pay 'English' fees of course. This has triggered some 'frank discussions' in both Scotland and England and it's still to be seen how this is going to pan out.
http://lordsoftheblog.net/2011/09/02/scottish-tuition-fees/