Do students want privileged education without having to pay for it?

Hundreds of thousands of students have walked out of their lectures in protest at the British government's plans to charge them £1,000 a year in tuition fees.

But students in many countries across the globe have to pay for their equivalent of university education.

The National Union of Students (NUS) fear that the £1000 tuition fee, on a means-tested basis, is actually the thin end of the wedge. They say that a university in Melbourne, Australia where tuition fees were introduced a few years ago at £1000, now charge up to £45,000 for some courses.

NUS General Secretary Douglas Trainer said: "Fees are killing access to higher education. They will destroy our universities and colleges."

Many of the protesting students argue that education is a right, not a privilege.

But others say that students can't expect to have it all their own way. They say that if people want to spend at least three years on a course, which will then lead to a well-paid job, then they should take some of the burden off the taxpayer.

The British government says the money will be put back into higher education.

What happens where you are?

Should UK students pay tuition fees?

Industry needs to pay more, and students should pay something...
Adam, USA

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