WALES: Fees headache as Oxbridge sets mark

Universities in Wales could be forced to charge £9,000 (US$14,400) in tuition fees after two of the UK's leading institutions appeared to set the trend for higher education, writes Gareth Evans for Western Mail. A report by Cambridge University's working group argues that it would be "fiscally irresponsible" for the elite institution to charge less than the maximum. The announcement came as a number of Oxford University academics suggested their institution will also need to raise fees to at least £8,000.

Oxford and Cambridge, the beacons of UK university education, have put their cards on the table and given vice-chancellors up and down the country a serious headache. It is expected the remaining Russell Group universities will be the first to follow suit.

To maintain their lofty reputation, research-intensive institutions like Cardiff need a level footing. But smaller institutions, it is thought, could effectively price themselves out of the market by charging more for what learners perceive to be lesser qualifications. Like their English counterparts, universities in Wales will be able to charge up to £9,000 a year in tuition fees from September 2012.
Full report on Wales Online