According to Universities UK - a higher education action-group which represents more than 130 vice-chancellors in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - overseas students are facing increased course costs year on year. Findings from the latest survey, which asked universities in the UK for their responses to current funding arrangements, were unveiled by the BBC this week in a worrying report.

Students from foreign countries currently pay fees anywhere in the region of £8,500 to £32,000, depending on the type, subject and location of course studied. Unlike their UK counterparts, overseas students are not subject to a Government cap on fees and so in effect face limitless charges.

The survey found that, on average, fees for overseas students went up by about 5% in the past year, with some lab-based courses seeing rises of nearly 8% (up to £11,500.) The most expensive courses were those in clinical medicine and dentistry, which peaked at £32,700.

This week, Universities UK also responded to the welcome news that a record number of individuals from poorer backgrounds attended university in 2009.

Professor Steve Smith, President of Universities UK, said:

“Although the situation has improved, there is still more that can be done. It remains the case that young people from disadvantaged areas have a one in five chance of progressing to higher education compared to one in two for those from the most advantaged neighbourhoods.

“Universities and schools still have a lot of work to do to try and encourage such applicants to apply to the range of universities. It’s essential that an applicant selects a course that best suits their abilities, needs, and circumstances.

“Universities along with current students will continue to work with young people in schools and colleges to help raise aspirations and awareness of higher education. This is particularly important for those from backgrounds without any experience of higher education.”

Source: BBC