Last week the Government published a white paper outlining its plans for reforming university education over the next decade.

Roehampton recognises that all students will be concerned about what this means for them financially and what impact it will have on their time at university.

Many people in the local area have applied to join Roehampton this September.

We have outlined some of the proposals below to help you and included references to where you can get more information.

Roehampton is committed to helping its students make the right choices and understand financial issues relating to their studies.

If you are applying for entry to Roehampton in 2003, proposals in the white paper suggest grants of £1,000 a year may be introduced from September 2004 to students from families whose annual income is £10,000 or less.

Some support will also be provided to students whose family annual income is up to £20,000.

The current system of tuition fees at £1,125 per year for 2003/2004 will continue until September 2006. Many students are exempt from some or all of these fees.

Fees

New tuition fees may be introduced by every university in September 2006 and could be up to £3,000 per year for each student.

If you defer your year of entry until September 2004 this could affect you in your third year of study.

The proposals suggest that fees would be paid back under a new Graduate Contribution Scheme after you graduate, so you would not have to pay these fees up front.

The white paper also proposes that some financial help will still be given to students from families on lower incomes.

The current system of student loans will continue, currently at £4,930 for students in London and living away from home or £3,165 for students living at home.

There is a very helpful guide for students and parents on the new White Paper plans on the Department for Education and Skills website www.dfes.gov.uk/highereducation/

hestrategy. You can also go to www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport/ for current financial support and fees information.

Roehampton will ensure that it informs all potential students of any updates to the white paper when they occur.

January 30, 2003 10:00