Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has said University Students are receiving a “rough deal” from universities in return for their tuition fees amid the Covid-19 pandemic and has called on the Education Minister to take action to address the issue.
Back in April Darren called for universities to issue partial refunds for tuition fees now that all students are only able to undertake online learning because of the pandemic.
During yesterday’s virtual plenary meeting of the Welsh Parliament, he said it is unfair students should have to pay the full £9,000 tuition fees when they are only receiving distance learning and asked the Education Minister, Kirsty Williams MS, what action she proposes to take to address the injustice.
He said:
“Many University students feel that they're getting a very rough deal from universities in return for their tuition fees at the moment. Obviously, for a significant time now, they've been doing their courses through distance learning.
“I took the opportunity to have a look on the Open University website today and for an equivalent of a full year's worth of education in the Open University, it would cost just over £2,000, whereas Welsh universities are still charging the £9,000. You’ve given financial support for universities, but you haven't for students. When can students expect to see fee refunds?”
The Minister told Darren she has “no plans to reduce fee levels here at Welsh universities.”
Darren added:
“The Minister’s response was very disappointing. I think that at this moment in time, paying £9,000 per year does not represent value for money for students who are receiving a wholly online tuition.
“I understand that universities still have bills to pay and will continue to pay their staff which is quite right. But I think it is wrong to expect students to continue paying campus style university fees for what have become distance learning courses.”