Students' uni choice may shrink

STUDENTS could face a drastically reduced choice of universities because Education has confirmed negotiating fees with only the 20 most popular.

Minister Carol Steere (pictured) admitted talks were yet to start with the rest and refused to be drawn on whether some universities might end up off-limits if a deal on charges could not be reached.

A new arrangement will come into effect from September 2012. A UK Government competition ruling means fees can no longer be set at a single rate for Crown Dependency students. Instead, they will need to be negotiated with each university.

With talks continuing, the first 2012 application deadlines are just weeks away.

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