Overview

This bill amends the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, changing how tuition fee limits for higher education courses in England are calculated. It introduces two methods for determining fee limits: a credit-based method and a fixed method, allowing for greater flexibility and potentially affecting the cost of higher education.

Description

The bill modifies the existing fee limit condition for higher education courses provided by registered English institutions. It introduces a new method of calculating the fee limit.

New Fee Limit Calculation Methods:

The bill introduces two methods for determining fee limits:

• Credit-based method: This method calculates fees based on the number of credits assigned to a course, with a per-credit limit set by the Secretary of State. Regulations will specify how credits are allocated to different course activities. There are also provisions for maximum and default credit numbers and adjustments for students transferring from other courses.
• Fixed method: This method uses a single, fixed fee limit set by the Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State will determine which method applies to each course through regulations. The bill also clarifies what constitutes a "course year" and requires the publication of a list of fee limits, specifying the method used for each course.

Further amendments clarify that the fee limit includes fees paid to any institution or person involved in the course provision and that modules may not be treated as separate qualifying courses in certain circumstances.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify changes to government spending. The impact on government spending will depend on the fee limits set by the Secretary of State using the new methods. Higher fee limits could potentially increase student loan liabilities for the government, while lower limits could reduce them. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Higher Education Providers: The new fee calculation methods will directly affect how universities and colleges set tuition fees, potentially impacting their income and financial planning.
• Students: The final cost of tuition will depend on the fee limits set under the new methods. Students may see changes in their tuition fees, potentially influencing their course choices.
• Government: The government's financial liability for student loans could increase or decrease, depending on the fee limits set by the Secretary of State.
• Office for Students (OfS): The OfS will have a role in publishing the list of fee limits.

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