Students from the Channel Islands 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 1st 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 1,200 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.”
Guernsey’s Deputy Peter Ferbrache, President of the Policy & Resources Committee, said: “This news is extremely welcome and will provide certainty for Bailiwick students who want to attend higher education courses in England. Bailiwick students will be able to access English universities on the same fees basis as their UK counterparts.
“The close working relationships that Guernsey’s government has developed with the UK over recent years have enabled us to discuss this issue with the UK’s Department for Education and secure this important decision for our students, recognising the importance of the Bailiwick’s links with the UK and our place within the British family.”
Guernsey’s Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said: “Our Committee is delighted with this change, which addresses an issue that I know has been of concern to many students and their families for some time now.
“On average there are about 800 students from the Bailiwick who go to universities and other higher education providers in the UK each year. I’m pleased the UK Government has recognised the value our students bring. This decision will provide welcome certainty to our young people that they will be treated the same as their UK counterparts, as far as fees are concerned, when attending university in
England.”
