The IWA Debates are a new events series from Wales’ leading independent think tank. Each event will focus on a current area of debate where there is no clear consensus. The debate will pit two leading figures together to brief the audience on an important issue and explore the key points of contention. The series is sponsored by Aberystwyth University and each event will be followed by a networking reception.
The Welsh Government has appointed Sir Ian Diamond, vice-chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, to lead a review into student finance in Wales.
Currently, students from Wales pay the first £3,500 of their tuition fees and the Welsh government pays for the rest.
As a result, some £50m over the last two years has been diverted to Universities outside Wales. This figure could well rise as restrictions on the amount of students English Universities teach are set to be lifted.
Welsh Universities say that if the money the Welsh government currently paid in tuition fee grants to other UK countries was spent in Wales, it could be used to improve their research capacity and upgrade the support available to students.
Can the current approach to tution fees for Welsh students be sustained. Should it be?
Plaid Cymru Education spokesman Simon Thomas and the Director of NUS Wales, Hannah Pudner will be debating with leading authority Prof Nick Barr from the London School of Economics and Prof Teresa Rees (Chair of previous independent inquiry into fees for WG). Followed by a networking reception sponsored by Capital Law.
The debate will take place on Thursday 10th April between 6pm – 8pm at the offices of Capital Law, Tyndall Street Cardiff, CF10 4AZ