§ Mr. Bryan DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to charge asylum seekers full overseas student fee levels in respect of courses undertaken part-time in institutions of higher education.
§ Mr. BoswellWe are currently consulting institutions of further and higher education, and bodies concerned with student welfare, refugees and asylum seekers, about a proposal to amend the Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations to allow institutions to recoup full-cost fees from part-time overseas students, to fall in line with the regulations for full-time students. This could potentially affect asylum seekers as well as other students from overseas, but not those already granted refugee status or exceptional leave to remain. Institutions would not, however, be obliged to charge a higher fee and would be free to use their discretion.
The consultation period ends on 30 November and a decision on possible amendment of the regulations will be made in the new year.