WIREDGOV

The maximum tuition fee level that institutions in Wales will be able to charge will remain at £9,000 for 2017/18, was announced recently (Fri 23rd Sept).

Welsh students attending universities in other parts of the UK where fees are set to increase will gain extra support through a top-up to the financial support they receive.

The support package will include:

• Tuition fee support consisting of a grant of up to £4,954 and a loan of up to £4,046 during the academic year 2017/18 for those studying in Wales.
• There will be an additional fee loan made available to students ordinarily resident in Wales whose fees increase as a result of changes elsewhere in the UK. So a full-time course costing £9250 will be supported by a Tuition Fee Grant of £4954, and a Tuition Fee Loan of up to £4,296.
• A means-tested Welsh Government Learning Grant (maintenance grant) of up to £5,161 depending on household income. 
• A postgraduate loan scheme for students ordinarily resident in Wales should be available for students studying in 2017/18, subject to appropriate regulations being brought forward.

Education Secretary Kirsty Williams said:

“This decision gives certainty for those who want to go to university for the academic year 2017/18, giving people the option to study where they choose, including in England where tuition fees are set to increase. I am pleased to announce that we are also developing a new post-graduate loan scheme following our recent consultation.”

On Tuesday 27th September the findings of Sir Ian Diamond’s review of higher education funding and student finance arrangements will be published.