Government welcomes home fees for university students

Students from Jersey attending all universities and colleges in England will now pay home fees, aligning them with students who are UK-residents, following a decision from the UK Government.

While the vast majority of higher education providers currently charge Island students the same as those from the UK, the previous UK legislation did not cater for the interest of the Crown Dependencies and meant some have charged international fees that may add tens of thousands of pounds to the cost of a university place.

UK Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Gavin Williamson, CBE, MP confirmed that from 1 August 2021, regulations will be updated to allow access to home fee status for students from Crown Dependencies applying to study in England.

Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré said: “This is fantastic news and will ensure our students can have more certainty over their future goals. On average, over 1200 students a year leave Jersey to study at universities and colleges across the UK and this will be a huge turning point for those that will be applying to those institutions.

“This important step recognises the valued relationship the Crown Dependencies have with the UK.”

Acting Minister for Education, Deputy Jeremy Maçon said: “This is brilliant news for students and families as this discrepancy has been an issue for a long time at degree level and goes further to include Medical, Master and PHD Level qualifications which were often charged to Jersey Students at international rates.

“This will greatly assist Jersey students achieve their aspirations in reaching the highest levels in their chosen subjects. Jersey produces many students of great ability and removing this barrier will be welcomed across the Island.”