University Admissions: Fair or Unfair?

by: jameswalsh
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Word Count: 752

Admission Process in the UK Focuses on Student Finance The government also wanted to reduce the social inequality in higher education. Students from the upper strata of the society had an 80% chance of receiving higher education, while students from the lower income group just had a 20% chance of reaching the university campus. These two issues were effectively addressed by the government. And the revised fee structure is the result. The Revised Fee Structure Initially, every student paid a flat fee of Ł 1,175. This fee structure was abolished. Students are charged varying fees. The maximum amount charged is Ł 3,000. How Justifiable is the New Fee Structure?

The government says that graduates earn more. Their access to higher education moves them up the social ladder. It is only justifiable that they contribute towards the growing cost of their education.

But this fee structure has created a problem for many students. They are contemplating the necessity of higher education. The revised fee structure is proving an effective deterrent. A survey of 7,000 students has found that 27% of them were less likely to opt for a higher study due to the revised rates.

1 among 4 bright students feels that the high costs of university education are preventing them from studying further.

The high fee has practically brought down the number of students opting for an education. Many colleges experienced a 5 to 13% reduction in the number of applications received.

The government with its new plan was targeting the poorer sections. But they were unsuccessful in this aspect.

Students from the lower income group feel that a university education leaves them with zero earnings till they complete their course.

Further, the grant money makes them debt-ridden. They are in debts even before they have started earning.

How fair is a system that fails to achieve its target? If the facts and figures are supplemented with long term evidential proof, the revised fee structure will be subject to much contemplative debate. Should the UK government provide more assistance? Some people feel that a well-educated work force is an asset to the economy. So it is the government that should invest in higher education. Increased governmental investment might translate to an additional contribution by the tax payer. Governmental assistance is already being offered to the students in the form of loans and grants. Maintenance Grants and Loans Students are also eligible for grants. Those belonging to families that earn less than Ł17,501 can receive a grant of Ł2,700 per annum. And students whose family income amounts to Ł 37,425 need no grant. All the applicants who belong to families that earn incomes in between these two limits get varying amounts of grants. 50% of the students are eligible for some sort of a grant. Students are also eligible for maintenance loans. The interest rates are inflation-linked. Linking the interest figures with rising inflation rate ensures that students are only repaying their borrowed amount in real terms. Do Poorer Students get Fairer Access? The revised fee structure was meant to increase the students from the lower income group. The government wanted 50% of 18 to 30-year olds in the colleges and universities by 2010. But current figures from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) revealed a completely different picture. The percentage of children from lower income families accessing higher education has fallen.

Students from the lower economic strata numbered 28.6% the previous year. Their number has reduced to 28.2%.

The number of applications for the university courses also fell significantly.

The new policy of the government seems to show signs of failure. However, the long-term implications are unknown. This policy is due for a review in 2009. If the figures mark no significant change, the new fee structure proposed by the government would be abandoned. The short-term negative indication could be due to student ignorance. The governmental grants and loans are relatively unknown in spite of the vast publicity. 9 out of 10 students were not aware of these. The new fee structure implemented by the government is a step in the right direction. It might just be a matter of time before the success rates are evident.

About the Author

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are a UK or Overseas student applying for a place in a UK University, to stand out from the thousands of others, it is essential to have striking Personal Statement, for more information and professional guidance, see http://www.personal-statement.co.uk

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