Rammell urged to clarify student support

A day into his new job Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell is being urged to clarify the support arrangements for new students.

Universities UK believes that many students and their families are unaware that under the 2006 fees regime they will not have to pay fees until after they have graduated and begun earning.

Chief executive Diana Warwick said: “It is clear that there is still confusion about deferred fees, which must not be allowed to confuse or deter, potential students. We do not believe that young people know how much money is available to support them through university, nor that they won’t have to begin to pay until they have graduated and are earning at least £15,000 a year.

“It is vital that every potential student understands this before they make their decisions about applications.”