To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the purpose is of the Intercalating Year Abroad fee; what method is used for calculating the Intercalating Year Abroad fee; and if he will make a statement. (167057)

[holding answer 22 November 2007]: English higher education institutions are permitted, under the Education (Student Support) Regulations 2007 (SI 2007 No, 176) to charge a tuition fee for a student studying abroad for a year as part of their degree course, of up to half the maximum fee for other home undergraduates. The amount actually charged is a matter for the institution. Students who spend a full academic year abroad on the European Commission's Erasmus scheme have their tuition fees waived for that year. This information applies to England only.

To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what guidance his Department provides to universities on the nature, level and extent of services to be provided to students as consideration for the Intercalating Year Abroad fees levied. (167058)

[holding answer 22 November 2007]: Higher education institutions are autonomous and it is up to them to determine what services they offer to students during periods spent abroad as part of their course. These will vary according to the course the student is undertaking, and whether or not the student is on a work placement or is attending another university. Higher education institutions participating in the European Commission's Erasmus scheme must have the Erasmus university charter, a document outlining an institution's responsibilities under Erasmus. The British Council, who manage Erasmus in the UK, issue an operational handbook outlining the rules higher education institutions need to abide by.