England to be most expensive place to earn a college degree

London, Oct.1 (ANI): England is likely to become the most expensive place in the world to take a degree under plans to increase student tuition fees, according to research.

University tuition fees of 5,000 pounds would make England the most expensive country in the world to earn a degree.

An analysis of international data reveals that a small rise would push England to the top of a league table of the most costly places to study - overtaking nations including Iceland and the United States.

According to The Telegraph, the University and College Union, which conducted the research, called on the Coalition to scrap a proposed tuition fee hike to avoid the "unenviable" tag.

It comes just weeks before the publication of a major review of student finance which is likely to lead to a sharp rise in the cost of a degree.

Lord Browne, the former head of BP, is assessing the current system of tuition fees, student grants and Government-subsidised loans.

His report could lead to an increase in the existing 3,290 pounds cap on tuition fees, with speculation that universities will be able to charge between 7,000 and 10,000 pounds.

Sally Hunt, UCU general secretary, said: "We do not want to be the most expensive country in the world for domestic students to do a degree."

Hunt added: "Students have been contributing more and more to the cost of a degree over recent years and now is the time to explore other options."

The research - based on figures published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development - analysed fees charged by publicly-funded universities around the world in 2006/07 or 2007/08.

The UCU has called on the Coalition to seek alternatives to a tuition fee rise. (ANI)