November 10, 2011 3.48 pm This story is over 148 months old

University fights tuition fee confusion with Q&A debate

Funding advice: The University of Lincoln will be helping future students understand the new tutition fees in a Q&A debate.

The University of Lincoln will be hosting a live online Q&A session explaining tuition fees as part of Student Finance Day, a national campaign headed by Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert.com.

The event is organised ahead of increases of up to £9,000 per year from 2102 at Lincoln and most other UK universities.

Universities and colleges will be on hand to explain to incoming students, parents, teachers and the media the changes to the finance system in England in 2012.

A recent YouGov poll found that 59% of people in England had little or no understanding of the new system, and under 37% realised they didn’t have to pay upfront.

The University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Scott Davidson, said: “Student Finance Day is an excellent opportunity to let students and parents know that if you want to go to university you can.

“We know that there are still people who are confused by the new finance system and may be put off from applying to university because they believe that they cannot afford to.

“Our live online Q&A session is for anyone who would like specific information about the new system, whether they’re a student, a parent, a teacher or someone who advises young people.

“It will be manned by expert advisors from across the university who will endeavour to answer each individual’s questions.”

Student Finance Day is coordinated by the Independent Taskforce on Student Finance Information and chaired by Martin Lewis, the National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA) and the Higher Education Liaison Officers Association (HELOA).

The Independent Taskforce was set up to help students understand the real cost of their education from 2012 onwards.

Organiser Martin Lewis said: “We have a near-national crisis with the perception of student loan 2012 debt in England.

“Many students, especially from lower income families, are unnecessarily being put off.

“We need to ensure they understand how it really works so they can make an informed decision. 



“We want to help with the great work I know is already happening to try and explain what the changes will mean and how they’ll work.

“As part of this we’ve picked a day to try and focus the attention, and that will see schools, colleges, universities and money advisors all work together to make things happen.”

The live Q&A session will be held on November 14 between 5pm and 8pm. Visit the University of Lincoln website’s Student Finance Day page for more information.

Source: University of Lincoln