In November of last year the UK Minister for Higher Education, Bill Rammell, announced that students who are British Overseas Territory Citizens (BOTC) will now pay 'home' tuition fees when attending school in England. That condition has now been expanded to include Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

This tuition cut, which applies to Bermudian students, was sought and achieved through the efforts of the Heads of Government of Britain's Overseas Territories and Countries (OTCs). Speaking at the time Premier Dr. Ewart Brown told The Royal Gazette:

"This is a major development for current and future students who choose to study (in the United Kingdom). Any attempt to portray this as a result that came purely as a goodwill gesture from the British Government fails to recognise the hard work and persistence of the leaders of the overseas territories."

The major part of the development is that 'home' tuition fees are significantly less than those paid by international students. A typical undergraduate 'home' student would expect to pay between £3,000 and £6,000 per year whereas an international student would receive a bill for at least twice that amount and depending on the area of study up to four times that amount.

So what does all this mean for Bermudian students? Well, a cursory cost analysis, that includes travel and cost of living, suggests that studying the UK is now a realistic, and often less expensive, option than the United States or Canada. These savings vary quite widely depending on which school a student chooses and what courses they choose to study.

"The biggest difference appears to at the elite university level," says Maggie McCorkell, the head of the Sixth Form at Warwick Academy. "A US Ivy League school can run you up to $50,000 a year in tuition but the equivalent in the UK, Oxford or Cambridge, won't cost anything near that now."

There are too many variables, particularly with the exchange rate, to provide a comprehensive cost comparison, however, there can be no doubt that more Bermudians than ever are looking East when considering their higher education options.

"Traditionally our students have gone on to Canada and the US," says Brenton Burgess, the head of student services and Berkeley Institute. "But there's been enough interest for us to plan a college tour to the UK for next year."

Ms McCorkell describes a similar spike in interest at her school: "Last year we had 5 students applying to UK schools this year we have 25 (out of a class of 50)."

She also says that college in the UK offers some variables, other than cost, that might be enticing to students. "A Bachelors Degree in the UK is generally three years as opposed to four and if a student is interested in Law or Medicine they can go straight into those subjects without having to complete a liberal arts degree first," explains Ms McCorkell. "Of course it is also a slightly different culture and there is the opportunity to travel in Europe."

As this is still a relatively new development it is recommended that students interested in going to UK consult with their college guidance counsellor with regard to cost variables, educational options and meeting the requirements needed to be recognized as a 'home' student. For instance, it is highly recommended, although not required, for students to obtain their European Passports prior to attending school in the UK.

"In rare instances a student may be required to provide proof of their citizenship or to show that they have resided in their territory for at least three years prior to their application," says Mr. Burgess.

There is also the additional opportunities to work while at school and after graduation to consider when making this all important choice. That there is an another choice seems to be the most significant point.

"We've gone from no interest to students at least asking the question," says Mr. Burgess of his students at Berkeley.

While Ms McCorkell concurs: "Anything that provides additional choices for students is a good thing."