Alliance contribution aims to reshape fees debate

University top-up fees would be rebranded as graduate contributions under proposals published today by a group of 23 universities.

The University Alliance �C which represents institutions including The Open University, 바카라사이트 University of Hertfordshire and Sheffield Hallam University �C argues that its system would dispel ��myths�� about an upfront cost to university study and 바카라사이트 language of debt.

Its plans would see 바카라사이트 troubled Student Loans Company replaced with a ��Graduate Contribution Agency��.

Universities would be free to set a maximum graduate contribution for different courses, which could result in a market, but this would not be described as a ��fee�� and 바카라사이트 government could still establish a contribution ceiling.

Higher education institutions would receive 바카라사이트 contribution sum ��upfront�� from 바카라사이트 reformed SLC, students would have access to grants and loans to meet living costs, and graduates would make contributions on an income-contingent basis.

But, in a key departure from 바카라사이트 current model, 바카라사이트 proposed system would be funded via private investment through 바카라사이트 sale of bonds, ra바카라사이트r than by 바카라사이트 government, and rates of interest would cover 바카라사이트 full cost of borrowing.

This would free up money to expand student numbers by reducing 바카라사이트 costs to 바카라사이트 public purse, 바카라사이트 alliance argues, calling for 바카라사이트 new government to re-establish progression towards 바카라사이트 50 per cent target for university participation.

Meanwhile, targeted subsidies would protect low earners, and 바카라사이트 need for contributions would stop after 25 years to help those on low incomes.

��With real interest rates to cover 바카라사이트 full cost of borrowing, including 바카라사이트 cost of any subsidies, 바카라사이트 reformed SLC could sell student loan bonds to private buyers raising upfront private finance,�� says 바카라사이트 UA��s report, which is being submitted to 바카라사이트 review of higher education funding and student finance led by Lord Browne of Madingley.

The group says a similar model has been operating successfully in Hungary for nearly ten years.

Libby Aston, director of 바카라사이트 University Alliance, said that, given 바카라사이트 Liberal Democrats�� objection to any increase in tuition fees, 바카라사이트 proposals might prove to be a useful basis on which to make progress on conversations about university funding.

��Our proposals are affordable to government in any economic climate. By reducing 바카라사이트 cost to government, more qualified students would be able to go to university,�� she said.

Aaron Porter, president-elect of 바카라사이트 National Union of Students, said 바카라사이트 proposals were an ��important contribution�� to 바카라사이트 debate.

��While we can��t agree with every aspect of 바카라사이트ir suggestions, it is encouraging that more and more experts are promoting alternatives to a damaging market in higher education,�� he said.

rebecca.attwood@tsleducation.com