With major changes to university fees proposed by the government, leaving many students facing annual tuition fee bills of up to £9,000 per year, a significant number of prospective students have been looking at alternative ways to study.
Kaplan reports what it describes as "a significant increase" in April applications for its online learning courses, which will not be affected by the proposed hike in fees, with tuition fees for a Kaplan Open Learning course capped at £4,680.
In addition, students are also being attracted to distance learning by the cost savings, with the opportunity to study from home allowing them to avoid university accommodation and transport expenses.
Philip McGuin, of Kaplan Open Learning, said: “It’s been a very busy month for Kaplan Open Learning, we have experienced a large number of applications and are rapidly filling places quickly for the April intake.”
Mr McGuin added that with the government cuts looming, there has been no better time to enrol for distance learning. He added: “As we hear of more and more media news about the pending tuition fee increase combined with fewer university places this has started to give way to the stark realisation that a university degree is going to cost more.”
“If you are not already a graduate, there will never be a better time to start studying for a degree as students already on a course will not be affected by the government funding cuts.”
FACTFILE:
Kaplan, Inc. is an international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company. For more information, please visit http://www.kaplanopenlearning.org.uk/
