Government House today revealed that fees for Bermudian students studying in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland could be reduced.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has confirmed that the three countries have now agreed provisions that will let British overseas territories students benefit from home fee status.

According to a spokesman: “This means that students from the British Overseas Territories could be treated as home students for fee purposes at Higher Education Institutions in England - as was announced earlier this year - as well as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from the beginning of the 2007/2008 academic year.’’

The changes have been implemented through the Education (Fees and Awards) and the Education (Qualifying Courses and Persons) (England) Regulations 2007; The Student Fees (Qualifying Courses and Persons) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007; The Education (Fees and Awards) (Wales) Regulations 2007; and The Education (Fees and Awards) (Scotland) Regulations 2007.

From September 1, students from British overseas territories who satisfy the eligibility criteria specified in the Regulations will be charged the home fee rate for their further education and undergraduate degree courses at colleges and universities in the United Kingdom.

* For the full story see The Royal Gazette tomorrow.