Part of Highlands fee increase to go towards college infrastructure

Monday 07 August 2023

A 5% increase in fees for courses at Highlands is necessary to "address the gap" between the cost of their qualifications and those offered at UK counterparts – but part of it will be used to improve college infrastructure, the institution has said.

The added 5% to course fees for the 2023-24 academic year will also go toward improving the infrastructure and facilities of Highlands College, known as University College Jersey (UCJ).

This increase equates to £114k of additional funding (dependent on enrolments) and will have implications for Student Finance, as 82% of their students are in receipt of awards to cover their fees.

The increase was announced this week in a Ministerial Decision, in which the hike was approved by the Assistant Minister for Children and Education.

In accordance with the Public Finances Manual, fee increases of more than 2.5% must receive the approval of the Treasurer of the States.

Pictured: Assistant Children's Minister Louise Doublet approved the increase.

An error meant that the Ministerial Decision originally stated a 10.4% increase, mistakenly compounding possible future rises in that figure.

However, Highlands has assured Express that "we are working with the Governing Board and Minister to further reduce the inflation and UK cost in 2024."

It explained the rationale for fee increases: "As a University Centre we achieve better results than our UK counterparts and have smaller sized classes, despite a funding gap between UCJ and similar providers in England. The fee increases are being introduced to address this gap."

In the Ministerial Decision Report, the case for the increase is elaborated on: "Currently, the cost of delivering H.E on Island is 37% more costly than similar HE within FE providers in England. During 2020 a specialist accountant reviewed UCJ and found that student finance funded English providers on average 15% higher when compared to on island delivery."

"At the time the average fee at UCJ was set at £7,900. As such, each year Highlands College has sought to address this gap by steadily increasing fees each year. As of 2023, Highlands is seeking to increase fees by a further 5% with the aim of addressing the gap fully by 2024 when fees will reach £9,250."

"By increasing funding for higher education, we can enhance the quality of education provided to students in Jersey. For example by improving teaching resources and technologies, and expanding research opportunities."

It also stated that investment in UCJ would help to retain local talent, support economic growth, increase support for students and improve facilities, saying:

"A portion of the increased funding can be allocated to improving the infrastructure and facilities of UCJ. Upgrading classrooms, libraries, and other essential facilities will provide students with a more conducive learning environment. Additionally, enhanced facilities can attract talented staff members, and students, elevating the reputation of Jersey as an education hub."