No change to Jersey university grants

Jersey education expects to spend £8.4m in 2012 funding university education

Jersey's education department has said it will continue to fund university students in the same way despite potential tuition fee rises.

UK universities can now charge up to £9,000 per year for classroom-based courses.

Education Minister, Deputy Patrick Ryan, said the way island students were given grants, based on means testing, would not change in 2012.

All students have to pay at least £1,500 towards their studies.

Means tested

Students whose parents have a combined income of less than £26,750 will have the rest of their tuition fees covered plus more than £5,000 for living costs.

Those from families with a combined income of more than £89,000 will have to pay for everything.

Deputy Ryan said: "Parents whose children are planning to go to university this September are already concerned about the implications of the changes in the UK.

"If they haven't already done so, they need to contact their university urgently to confirm their tuition fee. It should be the same as for English students in most cases but parents should consider shopping around if it is not.

"I realise families may be worried but I can at least reassure them that Jersey's student grant system will not change this year."

Deputy Ryan said funding university students would cost the States about £8.4m in 2012.