New deal puts rise in uni fees on hold

THE Education Department has won a two-year reprieve for students fearing a huge hike in university fees.

The department says that a deal with Universities UK will save parents from bearing the brunt of tuition fees, which could cost each student up to £9,000 a year from next September.

After 2014, the future for Bailiwick students and parents is less certain.

However, there is long-term agreement that Bailiwick students will be charged at the same rate as English students and not face the even higher fees demanded of overseas students.

As a result, Education is expected to ask the States for an RPI increase in its existing ring-fenced £6.5m. higher education budget.