Up-front fees ruled out for 98

By Shelly Simonds

The ANU will not offer up-front fees for Australian students next year, however it has not completely ruled out full fees in the future.

The decision follows plans by both Sydney and Melbourne University to introduce full fees next year. Melbourne University will offer arts degree places for $30,000 and dentistry places for as much as $100,000.

Last year's Federal budget gave universities the option of charging fees for up to 25 per cent of university places to supplement revenue, as long as the number of HECS places remained unchanged.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Deane Terrell said the possibility of offering university places on a full-fee basis was a tempting one, given the need for universities to diversify and increase their income sources.

However he said that it would be premature to risk compromising entrance standards for potential gain in fee income.

"It would be both inequitable and damaging to the long-term standing and prestige of any institution," he said.

ANU Registrar Bob Arthur said the University had decided to wait for the results of the West review of higher education before setting a long-term policy on fees. The review could result in better funding options being made available to universities.

He said demand for full-fee university places had yet to be established, so developing and marketing the option could be a waste of resources.

Some Council members were also concerned the full-fee approach was inequitable.

"Certainly the University in its submission to the West review has suggested that, to the extent universities get involved in fees, scholarships should be made available to overcome the equity issue," said Mr Arthur.

The announcement came after pressure from the ANU Student's Association for the Chancelry to clarify its position on fees.

Student association president Matthew Tinning welcomed the ANU's decision, saying it had cemented its place as one of the country's leading teaching institutions.

"I think the other universities that have rushed into this have misjudged what the community response would be," he said. "They are essentially putting cash concerns ahead of quality, creating an opportunity for the ANU to carve out a niche as the top teaching university in Australia."

The University of Western Australia has also said no to up-front fees.

Students around Australia demonstrated on May 9, calling for an end to up-front fees and a reversal in HECS increases.

In Canberra about 800 people, including 200 ANU staff members, joined the protest.