Caledonian opts not to set fees at maximum

STUDENT leaders have welcomed an announcement by Glasgow Caledonian University that it will be the first institution in Scotland not to set fees at the maximum level of £9,000 a year.

The university said UK students from outside of Scotland will pay an annual £7,000 in tuition from next year.

The university has become the first in Scotland not to set fees at the highest possible level, a position adopted by Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt.

Glasgow Caledonian said no student would pay more than £21,000 for their degree, with a new scholarship and bursary scheme also being put in place.

The university’s principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Pamela Gillies, said: “At Glasgow Caledonian University, we are committed to providing an educational opportunity for talented students whatever their circumstances.

“For this reason, we have set a fee level that reflects the high value of our degree programmes, but through an appropriate scholarship and bursary scheme will also ensure that our degrees are within reach of all who may benefit.”

Earlier this week, Edinburgh University said it would charge students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland £9,000 for each year of a four-year course, making its degree the most expensive in the UK. Both Aberdeen and Heriot-Watt will offer one year free of charge, meaning the cost of a degree will be £27,000.

Scots and other EU students remain exempt from the fees, which were introduced by the Scottish Government after the UK government allowed English universities to charge more.