£9k fees ruling by University of York criticised (From York Press)

£9k fees ruling by University of York criticised

8:48am Tuesday 28th June 2011 in News By Mark Stead, mark.stead@thepress.co.uk

YORK’S council leader has criticised tuition fees at one of the city’s universities, which are to be set at the highest possible level from next year.

The University of York has confirmed it will charge full-time undergraduates from the UK and Europe £9,000 a year from next October if their proposals are approved later this month.

It follows the Government’s controversial decision to raise tuition fees, which sparked widespread protests from students, although the university says reductions and financial support will be available for those from families on lower incomes.

But City of York Council leader James Alexander, who studied politics and economic history at the University of York between 2001 and 2004, said he feared the decision would leave students unable to take up courses in York.

He had previously written to the university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor, as well as to York St John University, York College and Askham Bryan College to outline his concerns and has asked the institutions to consider charging lower fees.

Coun Alexander said: “As somebody who used to work encouraging young, poorer people to go to university and increase their opportunities in life, I am very disappointed by this news.

“Such tuition fees would have priced me out of attending university and it will price others out too. Now is the wrong time for an increase. The Liberal Democrats at a national level promised before last year’s general election to abolish tuition fees and, in coalition with the Conservatives, they have instead increased them.

“Despite my disappointment at this decision, the blame lies squarely with the Government, not the University of York.”

The University of York has said first-year students with scholarships will receive support packages worth £4,500, with £3,000 in financial help being available to students from families whose income is less than £25,000 a year, while hardship funds will be increased. Its chancellor, Greg Dyke, will also lead a public fundraising campaign to encourage the university’s alumni to increase the institution’s scholarships and bursaries.

The tuition fees decision will have to be rubber-stamped by the Office for Fair Access next month.