University campuses have been closed by the pandemic – and there is uncertainty for students whether there will be in-person teaching in the autumn or whether courses will be taught fully or partly online.
The universities minister said no formal decision had been taken on the next academic year, but if courses are taught online and “students are really getting the quality, and they’re getting a course which is fit for purpose”, they would not get a discount on fees.
“Universities are still continuing with their overheads and their expenses during this time, and it’s no fault of their own,” she said.
If students were not getting adequate teaching online, she said there were processes for them to complain.
‘Frankly insulting’ says student.
Jake, an accountancy student in Leeds, told the BBC that charging full fees for online courses was so unfair that it made him want to drop out.
“There has clearly been no consideration of students with this decision. I pay tuition fees to go to my university in person, to be taught at my university in person, to access the facilities of the university – libraries, societies, sports facilities – in person.
“Expecting students to pay full fees for a service that they aren’t receiving is frankly insulting,” he said.
Rose, an international student from India studying in Manchester, said getting lessons online was not an adequate alternative – and regretted paying so much for her course.
“It’s been a nightmare. First of all we had two strikes which lasted three to four weeks at a time and now this.
“I paid £19,000 for my course. We’re not a rich family. That’s all the money my family have. I feel so guilty for using it all up for this.”
Isobel, another student in Manchester, contacted the BBC to say: “There has been no talk about a refund for the lack of lectures.
“I am finding it difficult not being able to access libraries, and ask questions. Yes, I know you can email stuff to lecturers but they’re swamped.”
An unimpressed student, Livi, posted on Twitter: “So by September I’ll have lost almost £3,000 to rent a house I’m not even living in, and tuition fees will still be max even if it’s online – something about this seems unfair.”
Tom Kendall, a member of the UK Youth Parliament, said: “If we have to stay home and complete online lectures what about the students who are less fortunate and don’t have a laptop or access to wi-fi?”
As well as weighing up whether they want to study online, applicants will be waiting for information on how a reopened campus might function, in terms of social distancing, social activities and student accommodation.
The National Union of Students has highlighted how difficult it can be for current students to study online, with some struggling with a lack of computer equipment and broadband access and not having enough space in which to work.
A study from the Sutton Trust suggests some applicants are reconsidering their university plans, in a year group that has already seen exams cancelled and replaced by estimated grades.
There is a “huge degree of worry and uncertainty,” says trust founder, Sir Peter Lampl.
There are particular financial worries for universities about an expected drop in overseas students, who pay a higher level of fees.
Last month, Universities UK called for at least £2bn in emergency funding, saying that otherwise some institutions could go bust.
Ms Donelan has announced measures to stabilise university finances, but without the extra cash requested.
To help with cash flow, £2.6bn of tuition fee income and £100m of research funding will be brought forward and universities will be able to access the Treasury’s support for businesses disrupted by coronavirus, worth another £700m.
“Should providers require further support the government will continue to review their financial circumstances,” said the universities minister.
There will also be more flexibility in the clearing system, which matches applicants to empty places after results are issued.
Universities have been worried about “volatility” in applications and that some universities could be so short of recruits they would be financially unviable.
To stop such fluctuations, there will be controls on student numbers, designed to stop some universities adding many more students, while others could be be left with too few.
The higher education watchdog, the Office for Students, said it would impose financial penalties on universities using pressure selling tactics “to increase student intake beyond normal levels”.
The Russell Group of leading universities said the “big remaining challenge” was funding for research.
“Universities face significant shortfalls in international students and other sources of income that we need to underpin vital work that otherwise goes under-funded,” said chief executive, Tim Bradshaw.
Universities UK said the stability measures were a recognition of the important part universities would play in the “recovery of the economy and communities” in the wake of the pandemic and the “severe financial storm” it had created.
The universities body has said that in the forthcoming weeks current students and applicants will be given a clearer idea of arrangements for opening in the autumn. ♦
