Written question asked by Steve Webb (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 30 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 December 2004. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 6 December 2004 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, whether prospective students who are required to undertake a one-year foundation course prior to commencing an art degree in 2006 will be liable to pay top-up tuition fees for their art degree; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether prospective students who are required to undertake a one-year foundation course prior to commencing an art degree in 2006 will be liable to pay top-up tuition fees for their art degree; and if he will make a statement. [202017] Dr. Howells: Students taking art or other foundation courses in 2005/06 (prior to starting their higher education course in 2006/07) will come within the variable deferred fees regime. Such students will be able to take advantage of the new system under which tuition fees do not have to be paid until after graduation (and only then while the individual is earning above a certain level, currently set at £15,000), and of the enhanced student support package in 2006/07, including the new means-tested £2,700 grant.

Secondary information