Twenty five universities and colleges had their applications to reduce tuition fees approved by the Office for Fair Access – resulting in a fall of just 0.5 per cent on the average undergraduate tuition fee.
Although fees will fall at a fifth of English universities for the 2012 academic year by nearly £14 million, the overall average fee fell by just £39 (0.46 per cent – from £8,393 to £8,354). Students who started full-time courses in England this year were charged a maximum fee of £3,375.
Commenting on the fee reduction, UCU said the changes added further confusion for students at a time when applications have slumped by 13 per cent. Students who had already applied for university in 2012 only have until January 15 to decide if they are still happy with their choices or if they could pursue a cheaper alternative.
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: “In the main universities that have cut their fees have also had to slash the bursaries they can offer potential students. So while students may be attracted to a cheaper course they will probably receive less financial support when they are at university.”
Sally Hunt said that the government’s higher education policy is an “utter shambles,” adding: “We now have a staggering situation where people have to work out if they can afford to study certain courses, rather than follow their dreams.”
