SCOTLAND'S Education Secretary has been urged not to let Scottish universities set their own fees for students from the rest of the UK.
NUS Scotland, which represents students, said any such move by Michael Russell would introduce a market to Scottish education and see students from England becoming "cash cows".
The warning came on the eve of a crucial statement by Mr Russell on future funding of the higher education sector, and which follows the introduction of higher tuition fees in England.
With universities south of the border now able to charge annual fees of up to £9000 from next year, institutions in Scotland fear they will fall behind financially.
The so-called funding gap has been estimated at £200 million, but this can be reduced by at least £60m if students from England are charged more.
The crucial factor is how this is achieved, of course: whether Mr Russell introduces a higher flat fee for all students from the rest of the UK, or whether he takes more radical action.
Alternative strategi es could include the Scottish Government withdrawing the £100m it currently gives universities to help fund the teaching costs of students from the rest of the UK – money that could then be reinvested in higher education.
Universities would then be free to set their own fees for students from the rest of the UK, although the Scottish Government could introduce a cap to offset some of the criticism for introducing a market.
Robin Parker, president elect of NUS Scotland, said: "The trebling of fees in the rest of the UK to £9000 was a huge betrayal and we must make sure we avoid the same kind of unfairness for English, Welsh and Northern Irish students studying here."
Yesterday David Willetts published plans to increase market forces in higher education in England.
The minister announced universities in England will have to compete against each other and private providers for a quarter of their student places.
Article Source KBG Test Blog (http://rc.kbg.me)
