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 a new, more flexible system allowing for both credit-based and fixed fee limits, offering greater control and potentially fairer pricing for students.

Description

The bill introduces two methods for determining tuition fee limits for higher education courses: a credit-based method and a fixed method. The Secretary of State will decide which method applies to each course.

Credit-Based Method:

This method bases fees on the number of credits a course has. Regulations will define "credits" (units of learning time) and how they are assigned to courses and course components. Maximum and default credit numbers will be set, influencing the final fee. Adjustments are possible for students transferring credits from other courses.

Fixed Method:

This method sets a fixed fee limit for the entire course, determined by the Secretary of State through regulations.

The bill also makes various related amendments to the 2017 Act, clarifying definitions, and improving transparency in the publication of fee limits. It extends to England and Wales and its implementation date is to be set by the Secretary of State.

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. Increased fee limits could indirectly reduce government subsidies for higher education, while lower limits could increase them.

Groups Affected

• Higher Education Providers: Will need to adapt their fee structures and administrative processes to comply with the new regulations.
• Students: May experience changes in tuition fees depending on the chosen method (credit-based or fixed) and the specific limits set for their courses.
• The Office for Students (OfS): Will have responsibilities in publishing the fee limits and ensuring compliance.
• The Secretary of State: Has significant power in determining the fee limits and methods used.

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