Universities warned on charges

The Education Council may look at alternative courses for students

Guernsey's Education Council says it may be forced to withdraw funding from some universities if institutions try to charge more for Bailiwick students.

The UK Government is currently proposing students pay up to £3,000 towards their tuition.

Education Council President Martin Ozanne said this should not be an issue for local students and their parents as the way they are funded is different from the UK because course rates have been agreed with the UK Department for Education and Skills.

However, some universities are trying to charge the island more than the agreed rate.

New negotiations

The amount Guernsey should be charged for higher education had been agreed until the end of 2004.

Deputy Ozanne said if any institution did try and charge more than agreed rates, and a similar course could be found elsewhere, the council may withdraw funding for the more expensive degree.

He said a new round of negotiations is taking place later this year, and he is hoping the current arrangement will continue.

He said: "We're fairly confident that the system we operate is fair and I believe that universities in the UK also believe it's fair.

"I hope that there's not going to be any change."