FEDERATION University will keep a close eye on the federal government’s planned deregulation of fees before deciding on its own course fees.
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University vice chancellor Professor David Battersby said FedUni was monitoring the potential impact of the federal government’s proposed deregulation of university fees.
His comment was in response to Education Minister Christopher Pyne saying on Thursday regional universities would be at a competitive advantage after course fees jump at the nation’s top universities.
“Regional and rural universities will compete on cost of living ... I think prices will drop in certain courses,” Mr Pyne told ABC Radio Ballarat.
He also said discussions around the elite Group of Eight fees going up did not apply to other universities.
“You can’t compare Louis Vuitton with other types of leather,” Mr Pyne said.
University of Melbourne vice chancellor Professor Glyn Davis said in an email to staff last month fees for popular courses like engineering and science could go up as much as 61 per cent.
Professor Battersby said FedUni would try to keep fees down.
“The university encourages greater access to higher education and we aim to keep university fees as affordable as possible.
“Decisions about FedUni fees will follow in due course,” he said.
Professor Battersby had previously said the university would suffer under the government’s proposed funding cuts, and regional students would face reduced options.
alex.hamer@fairfaxmedia.com.au