The British Council Sri Lanka Country Director, Tony Reilly, stressed that the recent decision taken by the House of Commons on December 9 2010 to increase tuition fees for universities in England only relates to students from UK and other EU countries.

"We assure Sri Lankan students and their parents that overseas fees will not be affected by the increase to university tuition fees in England", said Mr. Reilly. On behalf of universities in UK, Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK said, "The vote in the House of Commons means that from September 2012, universities in England will be able to charge a graduate contribution for home students of up to £6,000. In exceptional cases, some will be able to charge higher contributions, up to a limit of £9,000."

Ms. Dandridge also highlighted that the decision will not affect international students, "The new system relates only to students from UK or other EU countries. It will not affect university fees for international students coming to study in UK from outside the European Union (EU). The new system does not apply to universities in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, so will not impact upon international student fees in those parts of UK either".

Explaining the reasons behind the tuition fee increase, Ms. Dandridge said, "the proposals are aimed at ensuring that universities in England are properly funded so that they remain world-class. The UK continues to have the second-strongest university system in the world. Our universities remain a draw for international students from around the world who are attracted by the range of high quality programmes on offer."

Sri Lankan students need not worry about the change in fees for home students. The fee increases for home and EU students attending universities in England will in fact ensure better quality education services from universities in UK.

Students aspiring to experience UK higher education will be able to explore their study options at the upcoming 18th annual Education UK Exhibition, organised by the British Council. The exhibition will be held in Colombo on February 19 and 20 at the BMICH, and in Kandy on February 22 at the Kandy City Centre. For free entrance and more information please visit www.educationuk.org/srilanka.