Universities minister causes confusion over clearing fees comments

Fri, 13 May 2011

The universities minister David Willetts has caused fresh controversy over the fees increase by suggesting students could get a cheaper degree by waiting until the last minute.

Speaking to the Independent, Mr Willetts said universities would be able to offer reduced fees in order to fill undersubscribed courses during the clearing process.

This conflicts with advice for universities from the Office for Fair Access, which says that reducing fees in clearing might encourage applicants to apply late in the hope of minimising the debt they take on.

Commenting on Mr Willetts's remarks, the NUS president Aaron Porter said: "Ministers are at risk of turning the university application process into a flea market, exposing students and their families to unnecessary panic and grotesque unfairness.

"Efforts to force an unworkable market on higher education are already backfiring."

It comes shortly after Mr Willetts provoked severe criticism following suggestions the government may let universities take on additional students who will not receive financial aid from the government, meaning they would pay much higher fees .
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