HC Deb 01 April 1985 vol 76 cc479-80W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the present position in regard to university fees charged to overseas students, including those from the Republic of Eire in attendance at Queens and Ulster universities; and whether any changes are envisaged for the future.

Mr. Scott

The level of tuition fees in universities is a matter for the authorities of each institution. However, grant paid by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland to Queen's University and the University of Ulster is based on the assumptions that

  1. (a) home students and students from other European Community countries (including the Republic of Ireland) will be charged fees at the level recommended to universities in Great Britain by the Secretary of State for Education and Science; and
  2. (b) other overseas students will be charged fees which will at least cover the marginal costs attributable to them and which will vary from course to course.

The policy on overseas students' fees is reviewed annually by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland in the light of student enrolments.