Union demands an end to the use of non-refundable deposits for post-graduate courses

In a letter to Universities UK, the union called on the higher education employer body to ask all universities to review their PGT application process and immediately end their use. 

According to The Tab many deposits range from £1000-£2000, with some institutions charging up to £5000. Universities appear to be generating income through restrictive mechanisms which punish those with access to fewer resources. 

UCU said that removing potential barriers to PGT study such as non-refundable acceptance deposits must to be part of a wider agenda to improve access, recruiting a more diverse postgraduate community, including at the postgraduate researcher (PGR) level. This strategy will require changes to the admissions processes, financial support and transition into study. 

One of the reasons why applicants may not take up a PGT place is due to challenging or changing financial circumstances, and with the cost of living crisis biting for many potential applicants, this is likely to become an even bigger issue in the next academic year. This will be compounded for PGTs who go on to become  PGRs, as stipends fail to keep pace with inflation.  

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'It is appalling that acceptance deposits are one of the many 'hidden costs' that are involved in applying for and studying at UK higher education institutions. We call for institutions to be upfront about the hidden costs for those applying for a higher education course, ensuring mandatory costs are met by institutions, not students. 

This must be part of a wider reform agenda to improve access, recruit a more diverse postgraduate community, and will require changes to the admissions processes, financial support and transition into study. Universities UK and individual institutions can no longer in good conscience oversee a system which restricts access and takes money from those wishing to pursue their education goals.'