Overview

This Higher Education and Research Bill aims to amend existing legislation regarding higher education in England. Key changes involve clarifying the functions of UK universities, regulating course fees, improving information on higher education quality, and streamlining the authorization process for higher education providers. The bill also addresses student voter registration and international student access.

Description

The bill makes several key changes to the higher education landscape in England. Amendments clarify the roles and responsibilities of universities, emphasizing academic freedom, freedom of speech, and societal contribution. The Office for Students (OfS) is given the power to set certain standards and will be guided by the Secretary of State, after consulting with relevant stakeholders, including higher education providers and students. The bill also aims to prevent the ranking of universities based on tuition fees.

Tuition Fees

Amendments regarding tuition fees aim to clarify how fees for regulated and unregulated courses are managed. The legislation seeks to avoid using fee structures to rank universities, whilst also specifying that certain regulations regarding fees for 'accelerated' courses will require parliamentary approval.

Quality of Education

The bill introduces provisions for assessing and reporting on the quality of education in English higher education providers, aiming to provide consistent and reliable information. This information should not be used to create overall university rankings. An independent report on the effectiveness of the quality assessment scheme will be commissioned.

Provider Authorisation

The bill modifies the process by which the OfS authorizes higher education providers to grant awards. It mandates that the OfS seek advice from relevant bodies, including considering the views of various stakeholders like students, employers, and researchers, before granting, varying, or revoking authorizations. New providers must meet specific requirements before receiving authorization.

Student Voter Registration

The bill includes provisions to facilitate student voter registration. Higher education providers will be required to cooperate with electoral registration officers to assist eligible students in registering to vote.

International Students

Amendments aim to encourage international student participation in UK higher education. The bill aims to ensure these students are not treated as long-term migrants for public policy purposes during their studies and are not subjected to more restrictive immigration controls than existed before the bill's passage.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, the changes related to quality assurance and regulation might lead to increased administrative costs for the OfS and the government, while measures to attract international students could indirectly influence government revenue through tuition fees.

Groups Affected

• Universities: The bill clarifies their functions and responsibilities, impacting their autonomy and operational practices.
• Students: The bill aims to enhance their voting rights and improve the quality of their educational experience; international students will experience changes in how their immigration status is treated.
• Higher Education Providers: The authorization process is altered, requiring them to meet specific criteria and cooperate in quality assessment initiatives. Tuition fee regulations also directly affect them.
• Office for Students (OfS): The bill increases their responsibilities in regulating higher education providers and implementing quality assurance schemes.
• Government: The bill will impact government policy on higher education, including the monitoring and regulation of universities, and international student immigration.

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