Proposed changes to push up varsity fees

“These higher incoming revenue streams would substantially offset higher per student instructional budget allocations,” adds the report.

The authors of the report also propose a revision in the governmental annual recurrent budget allocation to universities to add a limited but selective and competitive fund for doctorate studies and research.

The move, the document adds, would explicitly recognise the higher cost of graduate level instruction and research conducted by academic staff at an international level.

The report also proposes that the Higher Education ministry and the Higher Education Loans Board fund a number of scholarships based on merit and financial need, in conjunction with the Higher Education Loans Board.

Food prices

Increasing food costs will reduce the need for government subsidy of food and accommodation, which currently benefits only students on the regular degree programmes.

“At the same time, an arrangement should be explored with private providers to take over the provision of on-campus room and board (and perhaps bookstores as well) and to provide additional accommodation near the campuses that the enrolment expansion plans calls for.”