THE University of Sunderland has announced it is to set its tuition fees using a tiered structure.

The institution said it would underpin its fees with a £10m support package to “ensure the door to higher education remains firmly open to those with talent regardless of background”.

The fees for all full-time undergraduates will be based on a tiered structure with three levels – £8,500, £7,800 and £7,000 per year – reflecting the level and cost of the course being studied.

They range from the laboratory- based science courses at the higher level to Foundation Degrees at the lower level.

Durham and Newcastle universities have already announced they plan to charge students the maximum rate of £9,000. Teesside, Northumbria and York St John universities have all announced they plan to charge £8,500.

Sunderland University said the £10m package of scholarships and support that is being made available will benefit the majority of students.

Vice-chancellor Professor Peter Fidler said: “There are thousands upon thousands of Sunderland graduates out there who tell us their lives have been changed because of their experience with us.

“We are determined, despite this difficult climate, to do all we can to ensure all those with talent are still afforded that opportunity in the future.

“This is so important to the students and to our society and economy.

“That is why we have delivered a tiered fees structure which is inclusive and affordable and underpinned by scholarships and other support.

“It is essential we continue to offer opportunity and access for the people in our region, who are central to its future success.”

Andy Leadbitter, president of Sunderland students’ union, said: “I think it’s a fairer system and highly competitive.

“It will make people think twice about going into higher education but if every university is charging £9,000, we’ve got to follow that to stop the creation of a two-tier system.

“Sunderland has an excellent quality of education.

We’ve got a lot to offer at Sunderland University.”