OXBRIDGE ENTRANCE COSTS UP

Tuition fees have now been officially raised by the new government, though the cost of an Oxford or Cambridge course starting in 2012 may not be announced until early this March. Almost certainly, both universities will settle on fees of £9,000 a year. To work out whether it's worth paying such a scary amount, read Chapter 1 of OXBRIDGE ENTRANCE: THE REAL RULES.

All we know for sure at this point is that no UK students will have to pay tuition fees up-front. Instead, students will be offered loans equal to the new fees, to be repaid in instalments once they have graduated and are earning at least £21,000 a year. There will also be a rise in maintenance grants for Oxford students whose family income is below £42,600, or £60,000 for Cambridge ones. Just how much financial help will be given by the government and the universities may depend on pressure from students, parents and their supporters.

When it comes to academic entry qualifications, there has been only one major change: Oxford, like Cambridge, now expects A-level grades of A*AA. (though not for all of its courses). Admissions tutors for one Oxford course, Mathematics & Philosophy, will even ask for A*A*A. If you are planning to apply this year, do also check whether any A* grade has to be in a specific, course-related A-level subject.