Students at third-level institutions in Northern Ireland could face a major hike in fees under new recommendations published in England today.
The report on higher education funding and student finance in England, led by former BP boss Lord Browne, proposed that the cap on fees should be lifted.
The move could see some leading universities charging under-graduates more than £6,000 a year, up from the current rate of £3,290.
Universities charging over that will be hit with a tapered levy to cover the cost to the government of providing the students with finance, and will keep progressively less of the extra funding.
For example, an institution charging £7,000 for a course will keep 94 per cent of the fee. The review sets out figures up to £12,000 per year. Universities charging this will still keep nearly 73 per cent of the fee.
But it does not specify any cap, saying there should be “no single fixed price for higher education” because all universities are different and provide different courses”.
The report also proposes a flat rate maintenance loan for all students of £3,750 per year.
Stormont employment and learning minister Reg Empey said a taskforce incorporating key stakeholders will consider the implications of the Browne report.
Sir Reg warned that the Assembly would soon face “difficult decisions” on the issue.
“Lord Browne‘s report challenges this Assembly and Executive to consider the way forward for higher education in Northern Ireland,” he told MLAs.
“The Queen‘s University of Belfast and University of Ulster proudly compete with some of the very best higher education institutions in these islands. Put simply, for this to continue will require ongoing investment. And it requires us as legislators and the Executive to determine the appropriate balance between the contribution from taxpayers and the individual who benefits from higher education.”
Last year, Sir Reg commissioned an independent review of the situation in Northern Ireland which recommended that tuition fees should remain broadly at the same level.