Overview

This bill aims to change the rules around student tuition fees and financial support in England. Currently, some students granted discretionary leave to remain in the UK pay higher fees than "home" students. This bill seeks to ensure that these students are charged the same fees and receive the same support as UK students.

Description

The bill amends two sets of regulations: the Student Fees (Qualifying Courses and Persons) (England) Regulations 2007 and the Education (Fees and Awards) (England) Regulations 2007. These amendments redefine "person with leave to enter or remain" to include individuals granted discretionary leave to remain in the UK, even if they didn't apply for refugee status.

Key Changes:

• Expands the definition of who qualifies for home student fees and support.
• Includes individuals granted discretionary leave to remain, and their families, who meet residency requirements.
• Specifies that family members must have been family members at the time of the application for asylum or leave to remain.
• Children must have been under 18 at the time of application.

The changes ensure that students granted discretionary leave to remain and their eligible family members are treated equally with regards to tuition fees and financial support for higher education in England.

Government Spending

The bill is expected to increase government spending on student support. The exact figure is not specified in the bill itself, but it will involve covering the difference between the higher fees previously paid by these students and the lower fees paid by home students, as well as providing additional financial support.

Groups Affected

• Students granted discretionary leave to remain in the UK: Will now pay the same tuition fees as home students and receive the same level of financial support.
• Family members of students granted discretionary leave to remain: May also be eligible for the same fees and support if they meet the specified criteria in the bill.
• Universities in England: Will receive funding based on the new fee structure, potentially impacting their income streams.
• UK Government: Will bear the increased cost of supporting these students financially.

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