The Browne Review, or Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance is a panel chaired by Lord Browne of Madingley to consider the future of higher education funding in England. The review has now been published and presented to the Government, who will then make decisions regarding financial support for full and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students.
In a TSR exclusive, Lord Browne answered questions from 5:00-6:30pm, 13th October 2010. Read his responses and leave your replies now in the 'Ask Lord Browne Forum'
The Top level recommendations from the Browne Review:
A removal of the cap on tuition fees of £3,290 per year so universities can set their own fees.
Universities that charge more than £6,000 a year in fees will have to give a proportion of their extra income to supporting poorer students.
A 10% increase in university places.
Graduates to start repaying the cost of their degrees when they earn £21,000 a year or more – up from £15,000.
Universities that charge more than £7,000 will be scrutinised to ensure they widen access.
Part-time students no longer to pay fees up-front and instead to pay them when they graduate.
Any balance remaining after 30 years is written off.
Universities to issue US-style student charters that give information on employment rates for their courses.
Increase in living expenses for students who come from homes where the household income is £70,000 or below
The interest rate at which graduates pay back their loans will be at the government's cost of borrowing – inflation plus 2.2%. However, those students earning below £21,000 will pay no real interest rate. Their loan balance will increase in line with inflation
A super-quango for higher education to be created to distribute government funding, deal with student complaints and ensure fair access and quality
A removal of the cap on tuition fees of £3,290 per year so universities can set their own fees.
