The Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance was launched on the 9th November 2009. The review is tasked with making recommendations to Government on the future of fees policy and financial support for full and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Questions and answers

What is the aim of the review?

The primary task of the review is to make recommendations on the future of fees policy and financial support for full and part-time students.

What is the scope of the review?

The Review will analyse the challenges and opportunities facing higher education and their implications for student financing and support. It will examine the balance of contributions to higher education funding by taxpayers, students, graduates and employers. In doing so it will consider a wide range of potential policy options.

How long will the review last?

The review is expected to report by the Autumn of 2010. It will be dealing with complex issues and it is important to allow the necessary time to consult with the wide range of stakeholders.

When will the recommendations of the review start affecting the student finance system?

It is too early to say when exactly any changes might happen, but it would not be possible for any changes to be made in the next academic year.

How were the review members chosen?

The Secretary of State and the shadow Secretary of State chose independent experts drawn from business and academia, and in doing so considered a wide selection of candidates covering a range of expertise.

Why is the review taking place?

During the second reading of the Higher Education Act 2004, the Government committed itself to a review led by an independent commission to examine the variable tuition fee regime once data was available about the first years of operation of variable tuition fees.

Who will be consulted during the review?

We anticipate that the Chair will wish to gather evidence from a wide range of sources, including students, the HE sector and business.