Welsh universities in limbo over fees
Welsh universities say they are suffering because of the "limbo" they find themselves in over tuition fees.
Last month the Welsh Assembly rejected its government's plans to introduce top-up fees similar to the ones faced by students in England from next year. Political parties are holding talks to reach a compromise over the proposals, which were backed by the Rees Report into higher education funding.
Students in Wales currently pay a flat fee, expected to be around £1,200 from September, but with top-up fees universities would be able to set fees of up to £3,000. The NUS is engaged in a campaign against any moves towards the English model.
However, until the Welsh Assembly makes a decision, universities, staff and students are in an uncertain situation. Higher Education Wales boss Amanda Wilkinson said that the confusion was unfair on all involved. She told the BBC, "It's very difficult. We are faced with a situation where students are going to be applying to Welsh institutions in the autumn and we are currently not in a position to tell them what sorts of contributions they are going to have to make."
Higher Education Wales is calling for a resolution to the issue before the Assembly rises for its summer recess. First Minister Rhodri Morgan said a week ago that a deal could be done within two weeks.
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