Tuition Cut Would Affect Number of Students and Courses, Universities Warn

Universities in the United Kingdom warned that they might lessen the number of admitted students and offered courses if the government requires tuition cuts. A recent report suggests that university tuition should be reduced from £9,250 to £7,500. The Russell Group, which includes some of the most prestigious UK universities, was alarmed by this suggestion as it may need to lessen teaching costs by reducing students and removing certain classes. In particular, courses under humanities and social sciences may be at risk as the majority of students are enrolled in these classes. Last year, the UK prime minister commissioned the report, which was led by financial services expert Philip Augar, to determine if tuition in universities is excessive. It also aimed to look for ways to make higher education more accessible. Although the findings are yet to be published, there have been suggestions that the tuition cut is meant to attract underprivileged students into studying in universities. Leaks from the report also led to speculations that the government plans to strengthen support for science and clinical courses because these subjects have higher financial returns. Reactions to the possible tuition cut and its consequences were mixed. Students supported by the charity known as Villiers [VIL-erz] Park agreed to the reduction. They argue that expensive tuition dissuades them from applying to universities. In contrast, Education Secretary Damian Hinds defended the current tuition. He argued that applications to universities have actually increased even if students had to pay a lot of money.