PA
Rich parents could BUY their kids places at top universities under new proposals to free up subsidised degrees.
The move would mean that British students could pay in the same way overseas students do to get a place at top-ranking universities.
Kids whose parents opt to pay for a place would not be eligible for any publicly funded grants or loans to help with living or tuition fees, meaning that only the most affluent of families would be able to afford to 'buy' up places.
Currently, overseas students pay around £12,000 to £18,000 for arts and science courses, whilst subjects like medicine can attract fees in excess of £28,000.
Critics of the scheme say it simply allows wealthy families to buy their children's way into the best educational establishments.
The proposal will be outlined in a White Paper later this year.
What do you think?
If overseas students can buy themselves a place at our best universities, should we be able to do the same?
Or do you think university places should be granted solely on academic merit?