Tuition fees protest

Jan 15 2009 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

STUDENTS angry at rising tuition fees have protested in Huddersfield.

At least three of the students are £35,000 in debt

The Government will review the level of fees this year – with campaigners fearing there will be an increase from the current limit of £3,000 a year.

More than 300 Huddersfield University students signed a petition yesterday calling for no increase in fees.

The students also posted their individual debts on a wall of the students’ union building to get across the severity of the cash crisis they face.

Campaigns officer Junaid Ejaz said: “Three people who took part are £35,000 in debt after five years of study.

“Students have already been struck with spiralling debts and job cuts.

“In today’s financial climate, introducing top-up fees is only going to cripple students.

“Students can hardly pay the current tuition fees.

“This rise in tuition could shut the doors for students from working-class backgrounds bringing higher education back to the days of university being for the rich only.

“We want the Government to cap tuition fees, especially during this recession.”