Student funding arrangements are different in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
In England the Higher Education Act 2004 allowed institutions to charge English and EU undergraduates variable tuition fees (often called ‘top up’ fees) of up to £3,000 (now increased in line with inflation to £3,375 for 2011 entry). The governing body is responsible for setting these fees. It is possible for different faculties or courses to have different fees, though almost all institutions charge the maximum permitted amount. From 2006 fees do not have to be paid in advance. The fees are paid on the student’s behalf by means of a tuition fee loan, to be repaid on completion of the course when the graduate is earning more than £15,000 per year.
Following publication of the report of the Review chaired by Lord Browne of Madingly, Securing a Sustainable Future for Higher Education in England, the arrangements for student funding from 2012 have been announced. Universities in England will be able to set fees for undergraduate students up to £9,000, subject to agreeing access and related plans with the Office for Fair Access (OFFA). The tuition fee loan remains but repayment does not begin until graduates are earning in excess of £21,000 per year. A National Scholarship Programme has been announced. HEFCE has published the answers to some FAQs. The student support package for 2012-13 has been announced as well as a new government campaign - 'Make Your Future Happen.'
Tuition fees for most postgraduates, international and part-time students have been set by institutions for many years. Fees for international students vary considerably among institutions and courses.
It may be the role of the finance committee to determine fee levels on behalf of the governing body, on the advice of officers responsible for finance, marketing and student affairs.
In order to counteract any adverse impact on widening participation, all institutions were required, as a condition of charging higher fees to undergraduates to have in place an Access Agreement setting out how some of the additional income generated by the higher fees would be used to promote access and provide financial support for students from families on low incomes. Student loans and subsequently maintenance grants have also been introduced. Read detailed information at Student Finance England or consult staff in your institution.