Thank you to everyone who responded to my request for
information. As promised I have summarised the responses
below.
A total of 18 responses were received.
* All offered instalment arrangements. Of these 50%
accepted 2 instalments only, 33% took 3 instalments,5% 4
instalments, 5% 6 instalments and 5% 8 instalments (direct
debit payments only). Most offered alternative instalment
plans for exceptional cases, overseas and PG students.
* The last instalment dates varied from January to
beginning of May in the case of the larger number of
instalments. However the majority (67%) aimed to collect
student contributions by the end of February.
* No one charged for instalment arrangements for home UGs,
unless penalty fees for bounced cheques, late payments etc.
25% had some charge for PGs and overseas students paying in
more than 2 instalments. 1 institution offered a discount
if fees paid in full, rather than instalments.
* 60% accepted postdated cheques (many reluctantly).
* 55% accepted overseas credit cards.
* 55% currently offer direct debit, and several others are
considering introducing this payment method. 1 institution
intends to make this the compulsory method of payment for
all student fees.
* 38% allow payments by standing order.
* Most credit/debit cards are accepted, with no additional
charges passed on to the student. However 55% would not
accept AMEX and 50% would not accept DINERS.
* A variety of occasional problems were encountered with
different payment methods. However many of these related to
changes in assessments by LEAs and the administration of
altering instalment plans, and the initial setting up of
direct debit provision by the HEI with its bank.
I hope this information is useful to other HEIs considering
different payment methods. Again thank you to those who
made time in busy schedules to respond.
----------------------
Michelle Jagger
Student Loans/Access Fund Administrator
University of Exeter
Phone 01392 263858
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